LUMBERTON, Texas — Power has been restored after a portion of Hardin County stretching from Lumberton into Silsbee lost power Thursday afternoon due to a transformer issue.
Before 12:30 p.m. a transformer failed in the area affecting more than 6,000 Entergy customers, according to the company's power outage map.
By just over an hour later at 1:35 p.m. just 2,175 remained without power.
By 4 p.m. an Entergy spokesperson told 12News that all Hardin County customers' power has been restored.
The transformer failure did cause an arc to spark, and flames and smoke came of it, but it did not create any structural fire, according to Entergy.
Entergy has an online outage map where you can view outages in their service area.
Restoration times are estimates only according to the Entergy website.
MORE | Entergy Outage Map
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
Here’s some tips from the Entergy website on how to stay safe during an outage…
- Create an emergency preparedness kit, including a flashlight, batteries, and first aid supplies.
- Maintain supplies of healthy and filling snacks that don't require refrigeration, such as dried fruits, nuts and protein bars.
- Make sure you have alternative charging methods for your phone or any device that requires power.
- Purchase ice or freeze water-filled plastic containers to help keep food cold during a temporary power outage.
- Learn about the emergency plans established in your area by contacting your state or local emergency management agency.
- If you rely on anything that's battery-operated or power dependent, such as a medical device, have a backup plan.
- Maintain backup generators according to manufacturers' recommendations and store an adequate supply of fuel in a safe place.
During an outage, disconnect or switch off appliances and electronic equipment that were running when the power went out. Avoid opening refrigerators and freezers to save cold air and preserve food longer.
Generators | Operate backup generators safely by following manufacturer's instructions. Don't attempt to connect your generator to the electrical system; it can backfeed to outdoor utility lines and injure or kill utility service personnel. An automatic transfer switch — installed by a qualified electrician — will help to ensure safe operation. Learn more here.
Refrigerated foods | Discard any perishable items in your refrigerator or freezer that may not be safe to consume. A refrigerator keeps food at a safe temperature for up to four hours during a power outage if it remains closed. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends discarding foods such as meat, poultry and eggs if they've been above 40°F for more than two hours. Learn more here.
