EL DORADO –

Winter weather sweeping through the region has left thousands of Entergy Arkansas customers without power. As of 7:30 a.m. on Friday, 1,510 customers in the El Dorado area and over 3,700 customers in Columbia County were reported to be without service.

Entergy Arkansas stated that crews are actively assessing the situation and working on restoration efforts where it is deemed safe. “It is on these assessments that we base our estimated restoration times. We will communicate these estimates with you and will provide updates as new information becomes available. Our crews will simultaneously be restoring service where it is deemed safe to do so,” the utility provider said in a statement.

Ice accumulation is a major factor in the outages, as it adds significant weight to power lines and tree limbs, causing them to stretch, bend, or snap. A half-inch of ice can increase the weight of a tree limb by up to 30 times, potentially bringing down power lines and causing widespread interruptions.

Entergy advised customers to turn off electrical appliances and heating units to avoid overloading the system once power is restored. Additionally, the company emphasized safety precautions for residents:

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• Stay away from downed power lines, as live wires can be deadly. Report downed lines or damaged equipment by calling 1-800-9OUTAGE or 1-800-968-8243.
• Avoid trimming trees or removing debris near power lines, as this task should be left to power company crews or contractors.
• Keep clear of work zones where crews are making repairs.
• If using a generator, ensure it is installed by a licensed electrician and disconnected from the utility system to prevent safety risks.

Residents are encouraged to remain patient as restoration crews work to safely return service. For the latest updates, visit SouthArkansasNow.com or monitor Entergy Arkansas’ communications.

LITTLE ROCK – In anticipation of severe winter weather expected to impact Arkansas on January 9, 2025, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has issued Executive Order 25-01, declaring a state of emergency and allocating $150,000 from the Governor’s Disaster Response and Recovery Fund. This proactive measure aims to address potential dangers, hardships, and property damage caused by the approaching storm.

Emergency Funding and Assistance

The funds will be managed by the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management and can be used for both program and administrative costs to aid recovery efforts. The declaration emphasizes the potential for significant impacts on citizens and public infrastructure across the state, highlighting the need for supplemental assistance to local governments and communities.

Winter Weather Threat

According to the National Weather Service, the incoming winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, freezing rain, and dangerous ice accumulations, creating hazardous travel conditions and potential power outages. The emergency declaration underscores the seriousness of the threat and prepares state resources to respond swiftly.

Governor’s Statement

“Severe winter weather poses a serious threat to the safety and well-being of Arkansans, as well as to public property throughout our state,” Governor Sanders stated. “This emergency declaration ensures we are ready to provide critical support where it is needed most.”

Preparedness Measures

The declaration follows warnings from meteorologists and emergency management agencies urging residents to prepare for the storm by stocking up on essential supplies, avoiding unnecessary travel, and staying informed about road conditions and weather updates.

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This state of emergency enables rapid mobilization of resources to protect lives and property as Arkansas braces for potentially devastating winter weather.