News Summary
A significant storm, Hurricane Francine, has left more than 4,000 residents in New Orleans without power due to heavy rains. Entergy is investigating the outages while teams work to restore electricity. Areas like the Lower Ninth Ward and Holy Cross are most affected. Communities are reminded to exercise caution while navigating through debris, as local efforts continue to restore normalcy despite flooding and power disruptions across the city.
Storm Francine Causes Power Outages in New Orleans Neighborhoods
New Orleans is currently facing some challenges as over 4,000 residents in the Lower Ninth Ward and Holy Cross neighborhoods find themselves without power, thanks to the heavy rains brought on by Hurricane Francine. Entergy, the local utility company, reported that approximately 4,170 customers were affected by the outage, which became evident Saturday evening.
Investigation Underway
As of now, Entergy is investigating the reason behind these widespread outages. While they scramble to identify the cause, teams of dedicated workers are on the ground, hustling to restore power safely and as quickly as possible. The good news? Power was swiftly restored to many customers later that same evening at around 9:40 p.m., showcasing the commitment of those working behind the scenes.
Caution Advised
Residents in the affected areas are being reminded to stay cautious as the lingering damage from the relentless storm has left many streets blocked by downed trees and other debris. When venturing outside, it’s essential to be aware of the risks and navigate carefully through the community.
Heavy Rains and Flooding
Hurricane Francine wasn’t just any ordinary storm; it unleashed chaos by dumping an astonishing 6 to 8 inches of rain across parts of New Orleans. This substantial rainfall not only knocked out power but also led to localized flooding in various neighborhoods. By Thursday afternoon, it was reported that around 50,000 residents in New Orleans and more than 240,000 statewide were still without electricity.
Impact on Local Businesses
The storm’s impact was felt far and wide, affecting both residential areas and businesses. Restaurants like The Steak Knife and Lakeview Burger found themselves dealing with flooding that forced them to temporarily close their doors for cleanup efforts. While some local businesses jumped straight into recovery mode, others remained shut, resulting in lost revenue.
Communities Come Together
Despite the difficulties, neighborhoods like Bywater, St. Roch, and the 7th Ward came together to face the aftermath. Even though reports of minor damage trickled in, residents bravely navigated through intersections that lacked functioning traffic lights, showing the resilience and spirit of the community. Local officials are on high alert, continuously monitoring the situation while Entergy crews fan out to assess damages and get the situation under control.
Restoration Efforts Underway
As Entergy officials provide regular updates on restoration, the heartwarming community spirit is evident as neighbors lend a helping hand where they can. The comeback from storms can be tough, but with collaborative efforts and the persistence of the local teams, there’s hope that things will return to normal soon. Residents are urged to stay informed about the ongoing repairs and any changes in service restoration timelines.
A Reminder of Nature’s Power
In the face of Mother Nature’s unpredictable temperament, New Orleans stands resilient, with its community uniting and working together through testing times. Power disruptions may be an inconvenience, but they also remind everyone just how interconnected and supportive our neighborhoods can be.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Orleans East Experiences Power Outage Affecting Thousands
Louisiana’s Insurance Crisis Takes Center Stage Ahead of 2025 Legislative Session
New Orleans Takes Action Ahead of Hurricane Season
Severe Weather Threat Looms as Cold Front Approaches New Orleans
Venice Faces Challenges as Shrimp Season Approaches
New Orleans University Faces Major Changes Amid Financial Troubles
Entergy Louisiana Faces Challenges with Rate Increases After Hurricane Francine
University of New Orleans Faces Recovery Challenges
New Director Appointed at LSBDC in Hammond
New Orleans Celebrates Five Years Since COVID-19 Impact
Additional Resources
- WWLTV: Over 4,000 Without Power in New Orleans
- Fox 8 Live: Port NOLA Confirms New Phases
- NOLA: Holy Cross Grain Facility Updates
- NOLA: Storm Francine Damage and Outages
- NBC Boston: Rebuilding New Orleans after Katrina
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Francine
- Google Search: Hurricane Francine
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Francine Power Outages
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ninth Ward New Orleans
- Google News: New Orleans Storms
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
