Arkansas – Entergy Arkansas has released an after-storm update detailing its response to winter storm Fern and the steps taken to prepare the state ahead of the year’s first major bout of winter weather. The update outlines how crews worked before, during, and after the storm to reduce outages and keep power flowing to customers across Arkansas.
According to the company, preparation began well before freezing rain and icy conditions moved into the state. Entergy Arkansas crews focused on areas most vulnerable to storm damage, particularly power lines surrounded by trees. In the days leading up to the storm, workers trimmed approximately 1,400 trees near electrical lines in an effort to limit falling limbs and debris that could trigger outages once ice accumulated.
As the storm approached, Entergy Arkansas positioned a large workforce and specialized equipment throughout the state. About 3,500 workers were staged and ready to respond, allowing crews to move quickly once conditions became hazardous. The company said this strategy played a key role in speeding up restoration efforts where outages did occur.
Crews also carried out detailed inspections of substations, transmission lines, and other critical infrastructure. Power plant equipment and piping were insulated where necessary to prevent freezing-related failures. In addition, Entergy Arkansas relied on real-time data from advanced metering infrastructure to closely monitor power demand across the system and keep the electrical load balanced as conditions changed.
Company leaders said these combined efforts helped ensure customers continued to receive reliable service despite unpredictable weather. “Winter weather in Arkansas can be unpredictable, especially when ice is involved,” Laura Landreaux, president and CEO of Entergy Arkansas, said. “Our crews were prepared for this storm and as we focus on providing better power as part of our Next Generation Arkansas initiative in the coming years, we are committed to continuing to make investments that withstand extreme weather.”
Beyond power restoration, Entergy Arkansas worked alongside local officials to identify and support warming centers in communities affected by the storm. The company said this coordination was aimed at helping residents stay safe during periods of extreme cold, especially in areas where outages were unavoidable.
As conditions improved in Arkansas, Entergy Arkansas also shifted resources to assist neighboring states impacted by winter storm Fern. The company announced it is sending approximately 200 lineworkers and support management personnel to Louisiana and Mississippi to help with restoration efforts there.
Officials said mutual aid is a critical part of storm response, allowing utilities to share resources when large weather systems affect multiple states. Entergy Arkansas noted that once local needs were met, crews were able to provide assistance beyond state lines.
The after-storm update reflects Entergy Arkansas’ broader focus on preparedness, system resilience, and customer safety. Company leaders said investments in infrastructure, data technology, and workforce readiness remain central to their long-term strategy as severe weather events become more frequent and complex.
