Entergy's Louisiana utilities are prepared to mobilize a storm team of approximately 3800 workers to respond to any impacts from tropical storm Zeta.
Zeta was forecast to make landfall along the Louisiana Gulf Coast on Oct. 28, bringing storm surge, heavy rainfall, and dangerous winds, all of which could potentially result in extended power outages. Company personnel are expected to monitor Zeta and adjust the size of the response team based on the storm's size, path, and intensity.
Crews from Entergy New Orleans, LLC, and Entergy Louisiana, LLC, are positioned out of harm's way, near areas that could be most impacted. Wind gusts, flooding, and accessibility challenges can extend restoration times in some areas, but crews are prepared to safely restore service to customers as quickly as possible once conditions permit. While some work to restore power can be done on the ground, work in the air from bucket trucks cannot be performed in wind conditions of 30 mph or greater.
"We are prepared for the potential impacts that Zeta may bring," John Hawkins, vice president of distribution operations for Entergy in Louisiana, had said ahead of Zeta. "We have a plan in place that we've put into practice several times this year and this storm will be no different. I am confident that our crews, contractors, and support personnel will do all they can to restore power safely and as quickly as possible. We encourage our customers to continue to be storm ready and have a family plan in place — even after Zeta passes. We will get through this together."
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, crews will practice social distancing while in the field and Entergy requested customers to do the same. Customers can find preparation and safety tips on the Entergy Storm Center at entergystormcenter.com.
