Power Mostly Restored After 3,000 Were Left Without Electricity in New Orleans’ West Bank

Storm Blamed for Extensive Outage

Power was mostly restored Friday to thousands of homes on the West Bank after a storm packing winds of up to 70 mph moved through the area. According to local officials, the storm caused multiple outages, affecting about 3,000 customers in communities like Algiers and Gretna.

Repairs Ongoing, But Majority of Customers Have Power

Crews worked throughout the night to restore power as quickly as possible. By mid-morning, electricity had been restored to nearly all customers, with only a few scattered outages remaining. Entergy officials said the storm caused significant damage to electrical infrastructure and that repairs were ongoing, although they expect most to be completed by the end of the day.

Outages Due to Downed Power Lines, Damaged Poles

According to Entergy Louisiana, the outages were caused by downed power lines and damaged electrical poles. Wind gusts downed trees and branches, which struck power lines and caused transformers to blow. Utility crews assessed the damage and prioritized restoring power to critical infrastructure like hospitals and emergency services.

Residents Urged to Stay Clear of Downed Wires

Entergy Louisiana reminds residents to stay away from downed power lines, as they can be extremely dangerous. The company also recommends residents unplug sensitive electronics and appliances to protect them from potential power surges.

Community Assistance Available for Those Impacted

Local officials are offering assistance to residents who have been impacted by the outage. The American Red Cross has set up a shelter at Westbank Community Center, where residents can go for food, water, and a place to stay. Those in need of assistance can also call 2-1-1 or visit the United Way of Southeast Louisiana website.