Submitted by SLEMCO
LAFAYETTE, LA (September 9, 2024) – SLEMCO is making preparations for what is expected to become Hurricane Francine, ahead of its predicted landfall somewhere along Louisiana’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday. With a little more than 48 hours to go before Francine’s arrival, current track projections indicate that SLEMCO’s service area will likely take a direct hit.
The company is ready with extra materials and equipment. Electric contractors have been brought onboard to help SLEMCO employees restore power knocked out during the storm.
All customers should make immediate plans and be prepared. Current predictions indicate a strong Category 1 hurricane or possibly stronger, as it reaches Louisiana’s coastline. Some storm models indicate a possible period of rapid intensification is possible before landfall.
SLEMCO crews will work outages as Francine moves in, until winds make it unsafe to continue. That’s typically about 30-35 mph. After the storm passes, crews will begin working outages as soon as winds die down to that same threshold.
“Everyone should be checking supplies and making an evacuation plan now for their family,” said SLEMCO Spokesperson Mary Laurent. “Because of expected storm surge, evacuating is particularly important for those in low-lying areas. Additionally, those who have medical conditions and rely on power for medical equipment should plan to be self-sustaining for an extended timeframe.”
SLEMCO provides power to over 118,000 customers in Acadia, Avoyelles, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin and Vermilion Parishes.
