Winter Storm Causes Power Outages Across Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS, La. — A winter storm swept through Louisiana on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, causing widespread power outages as temperatures plummeted below freezing and snow blanketed the region. Entergy reported approximately 3,500 outages statewide, with over 200 in Orleans Parish alone.

“We are monitoring closely and so far are seeing only limited impacts,” said Beau Tidwell, spokesperson for Entergy New Orleans. “We’re encouraging everyone to stay off the roads; vehicle impacts can cause outages.”

The outages began intermittently as snow started falling, with the largest disruption affecting around 2,000 customers in Kenner early Tuesday morning. Power was restored to most customers by 8:17 a.m., according to Entergy’s outage map.

Tidwell noted that the cause of the outages was still under investigation. Entergy Louisiana stated that scattered outages were due to winter weather and that restoration efforts were underway, though icy conditions could hinder crew mobility. Restoration times were expected to be provided by 10 p.m. Tuesday.

Entergy had 1,600 workers on standby to address outages and suspended all disconnections through Sunday. Meanwhile, Washington-St. Tammany Electric Cooperative reported about 2,000 outages earlier in the day, primarily near the parish border north of Folsom. Most customers were reconnected by midday.

Cleco also experienced outages in the Covington and Slidell areas, with several hundred customers affected. By midday, the number of outages had been reduced to just over 300.

The winter storm brought frigid winds and freezing temperatures to south Louisiana, with snow covering New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Residents were advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as the storm continued to impact the region.