PORT ARTHUR, Texas — Tropical Storm Francine is expected to make landfall as a hurricane on the Louisiana Gulf Coast today.
In response, Entergy has staged multiple utility trucks at Central Mall in Port Arthur, ready to respond to Louisiana after Francine makes landfall.
12News is publishing the latest information from around Southeast Texas as the area prepares for and then deals with any impact Francine may bring.
Related | LIVE BLOG: Southeast Texans can stand down as SW Louisiana prepares for arrival of Francine
Entergy trucks staged at Central Mall
On Tuesday, Entergy announced they are keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Francine and taking proactive steps to support customers and communities. Entergy called in extra crews and special equipment to safely speed up storm recovery efforts.
Entergy Texas has approximately 1,200 storm workers ready to respond, including line workers, vegetation crews, damage assessors and additional field management teams, according to a release from Entergy.
The company also requested nearly 800 additional workers from throughout the region to assist with restoration. Special equipment such as a marsh digger, high-water vehicles, airboats, and helicopters have also been requested to help safely expedite the restoration process.
After a storm passes, Entergy conducts damage assessments to be able to provide more specific restoration times.
While the majority of customers may be restored quicker, some of the hardest hit areas and restoration work that brings additional complexities may take longer, for example, access difficulty that requires special equipment, working in marsh land or repairing lines over bodies of water, Entergy says.
Each storm brings unique challenges, and they strive to share an accurate estimated restoration time to customers within 48-72 hours following a major storm, according to Entergy. As damage assessments are completed, they can provide better estimates to customers.
Entergy wants to remind everyone not to walk or drive through flood waters and stay away from downed lines.
Downed lines could be energized and if you see one, call Entergy at 1-800-968-8243 to report it.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
