Entergy Mississippi is preparing for potential power disruptions as Tropical Storm Arthur is expected to bring heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and possible flooding to central and southern Mississippi over the next 24 hours.
The utility company said crews are on standby and ready to respond to weather-related outages as the storm moves through its service area.
According to Entergy Mississippi, falling trees and limbs, saturated soil and rising floodwaters pose the greatest threats to the electric grid during severe weather events.
“We are taking precautions now to ensure the safety of employees and the public,” the company said in a statement.
Entergy officials said crews regularly inspect and maintain critical infrastructure, including underground electrical vaults that serve some downtown areas, such as Jackson’s central business district. The equipment housed in those vaults is designed to operate while submerged, and the company said it does not anticipate floodwaters causing outages in those locations.
However, utility officials warned that service may be interrupted if floodwaters threaten electrical equipment or create unsafe conditions for workers and the public.
The company said rapidly changing water levels could require crews to disconnect power to affected areas without advance notice to individual customers. Entergy said customers will be notified when conditions warrant service disconnections.
Entergy is encouraging residents to finalize storm preparedness plans, particularly those who rely on electricity for medical equipment or other essential needs. Customers are also urged to assemble emergency supply kits and monitor weather conditions throughout the storm.
Officials cautioned residents to stay away from downed power lines and flooded areas, noting that energized electrical lines may be hidden beneath standing water or storm debris. Downed power lines should be reported immediately to Entergy at 1-800-968-8243 and to local emergency responders.
Customers can stay informed about outages and restoration efforts through the Entergy mobile app, the company’s online outage map, social media channels and text message alerts.
Entergy said restoration updates will be available throughout and after the storm as crews work to assess damage and restore power where needed.
