Storm Center

May 14 - 15, 2008 Storms Update 2:00 p.m.

Severe weather moved across south Louisiana Wednesday night and Thursday morning, causing widespread damage and power outages throughout the region. As many as 50,240 Entergy customers were without power early Thursday morning at the peak of the storm.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected to continue to strike south Louisiana throughout the day Thursday.

• Beginning last night, a severe storm system moved through Louisiana causing significant power outages throughout South Louisiana and the New Orleans metro area. The system included rain, high winds, lightning and possibly tornadoes.
• Total power outages peaked at about 50,240 primarily in the coastal section of the state.
• Some of the hardest hit areas were Livingston Parish and Lafayette.
• As of 11 a.m., outages in the affected section of the state outside of the New Orleans metro area were reduced to less than 25,000. • In the New Orleans metro area, a line of storms pass through the area this morning causing widespread outages. As of 8 a.m., Metro area outages peaked at about 21,000.
• The largest concentration of outages occurred on the West Bank, peaking at 14,000, with the Metairie/Kenner section peaking at 7,000.
• As of 11 a.m., the Metro area had only 2,645 customers experiencing an outage. The West Bank area has only about 530 customers without power and the Kenner/Metairie area has about 1,475 customers without power.
• High winds caused both downed power poles and power lines. Also, many trees were damaged.
• Crews are working throughout the state to safely restore power as quickly as possible.
• Entergy reminds customers to remain safe and stay away from downed power lines and flooded areas. Do not walk in standing water and do not venture into areas of debris, since energized and dangerous power lines may not be visible.
• Customers should report all outages or downed lines to 800-9OUTAGE.

Entergy reminds customers that the most important thing during and after a storm is to stay safe. We care about two things: Safety – yours and ours – and getting your power back with as little inconvenience and as quickly as possible.