SWEPCO: More than 191k people still without power after severe storms (2024)

Caddo leaders release list of cooling centers, resources

Published: Jun. 16, 2023 at 1:09 PM CDT|Updated: Jun. 19, 2023 at 7:04 AM CDT

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Severe thunderstorms and winds moved through the ArkLaTex during the early morning hours of June 16, causing widespread damage and power outages.

SWEPCO says crews are out assessing the damage. As of 7 a.m. Monday morning, more than 130,000 customers were without power. Many roads are also blocked by downed trees and powerlines.

Additional severe storms continued to sweep through on Father’s Day, adding another 21,000 customers without power.

SWEPCO’S estimated times for crews to restore power as of 8 p.m. June 18:

• Natchitoches service territory in Louisiana – 10 p.m., Tuesday, June 20
• Texarkana service territory in Texas – 10 p.m., Wednesday, June 21
• Longview service territory in Texas – 10 p.m., Friday, June 23
• Shreveport service territory and surrounding communities in Louisiana – 10 p.m., Saturday, June 24

SHREVEPORT/CADDO OFFICIALS UPDATE PUBLIC ON POWER RESTORATION EFFORTS:

Cooling center are being opened around Caddo Parish to help those without power. Current locations include:

• Morning Star Baptist Church Life Center, 5340 Jewella Ave., 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Galilee Family Life Center, 1500 Pierre Ave., 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Summer Grove Elementary School, 2955 W. Bert Kouns Ind. Loop, Shreveport, LA, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Summerfield Elementary Auditorium, 3131 Ardis Taylor Drive, Shreveport, LA, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• A.B. Palmer Park Community Center, 547 E. 79th Street
• Valencia Park Community Center, 1800 Viking Drive
• Southern Hills Park Community Center, 1002 Bert Kouns Loop
• Bill co*ckrell Park Community Center, 4109 Pines Road

Resources:

• The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who received damage to their primary residence or business from the storm to report it to the Sheriff’s Homeland Security Division at 318-675-2255 or on the website Damage.LA.GOV.
• United Way 2-1-1 Help Line is in place to assist citizens access a variety of resources (housing, food, etc.). Citizens are encouraged to reach out to 2-1-1, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Citizens are encouraged to sign up for the parish/city emergency alert system, Everbridge, at www.everbridge.net to receive texts and phone messages.

PHOTOS & VIDEOS OF DAMAGE

SWEPCO officials say crews are working to support four area hospitals in Shreveport and Marshall. Those facilities are taking priority.

The storm that moved through the area has had “hurricane” level impact, SWEPCO says. Help has been requested from areas that have not been impacted by the storms. SWEPCO says an additional 185 line worker crews with an estimated 2,000 utility workers have been requested.

SWEPCO officials warn that because of the widespread damage, it will take time to restore power. It could take days or longer. Officials anticipate being able to share estimated restoration times by Friday night.

PEAK WIND GUSTS REPORTED

Local law enforcement crews are assisting SWEPCO with tree and debris removal. Residents are asked to stay off the roads as much as possible so crews can safely complete their work.

STAY CONNECTED WITH SWEPCO

• SWEPCO.com/Alerts for text or email alerts
• SWEPCO.com/Outages to view outage updates and outage map
• SWEPCO.com/App for quick and easy access for updates
• 1-888-218-3919 to report hazards

SAFETY REMINDERS FROM SWEPCO

• Downed power lines – Never touch a downed line, or go near it, no matter how harmless it looks. The line could be energized. Don’t touch anything in contact with the line, such as trees, fences or puddles of water. Stay away, and keep others away, especially children and pets. Call SWEPCO or 911 immediately.
• Portable generator safety – If you use a portable or RV generator, do not plug the generator into your circuit box. Portable generators can “backfeed” electricity up the line and risk the lives of repair workers and the public. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions carefully and plug essential appliances directly into the generator.

Meanwhile, the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with damage to report it by calling 318-675-2255. Those who live in Bossier Parish can call the sheriff’s office at 318-965-2203.

CURRENT BOIL ADVISORIES DUE TO STORM

• Southeast Bienville Water System
• Simpson Acres
• Linda Lane
• Springlake MHP
• Colworth Place
• Big Oaks
• Barron Ridge
• Gill Water Supply Corp. (includes customers on Liberty Church Road, Underwood Road, and Hidden Lake Road)
• Deepwoods Water System
• Central Clairborne (from Weller Tank Farm - Hwy 534 and ALL roads off of Hwy 534 to Parish line)
• Town of Blanchard

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