Power outages across northeast Louisiana could continue for days as Entergy crews prioritize restoring power for emergency services and as many customers as possible.
Approximately 100,000 Entergy customers in northeast Louisiana alone lost power Thursday as Hurricane Laura toppled trees and downed power lines throughout the region.
Southwest and north Louisiana were the hardest-hit areas, and as of 6 p.m. Thursday, approximately 256,000 customers were without power.
Entergy is using helicopters and drones to inspect damage to its transmission and distribution infrastructure and says power must be restored to high-voltage transmission lines and substations in order to reenergize the distribution lines that serve businesses and homes.
The company advises it could take several days before it can provide estimated times of restoration and weeks before power is restored to hardest-hit areas.
In Monroe, Monroe Transit System operation was delayed Friday due to the storm. The city advises residents to check the SPOT app, Facebook and the local news for updates.
Emergency services offered in NELA
With thousands without power, a variety of emergency services are being offered in northeast Louisiana.
In Ouachita Parish, the Department of Homeland Security announced distribution locations for those needing food, water and ice. Distribution starts at 8 a.m. Friday at Sterlington High School, Richwood High School and Glenwood Mall.
The National Guard will distribute water and food Friday at 165 Fairgrounds Road in Ruston at the North Louisiana Exhibition Center. Distribution begins at 8:30 a.m. and will be limited to 5,000 vehicles.
Call United Way 2-1-1 for more resources available in NELA.
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