SWEPCO and REA working to restore power across the region in Southwest Arkansas

Electric company crews continue to restore power across the region, but some customers may not have service for a few more days. Friday’s severe storms caused major damage to SWEPCO’s transmission system and resulted in power outages in Southwest Arkansas. High winds moved through Southwest Arkansas again early Sunday. The round of storms left thousands of residents with electricity.

As of Monday afternoon, SWEPCO was reporting about 900 in Howard County and 1,000 in Hempstead County along with 2,600 in Sevier County. Customers without power in Little River County totaled about 700. As of Monday afternoon, Southwest Arkansas Rural Electric was reporting 178 customers without power in Hempstead County, 83 in Howard County, 51 in Little River County and 154 in Sevier County.

Teams will provide additional detail, including updates to restoration areas and times, as crews continue working to restore power.

SWEPCO crews also warn customers of danger associated with power lines.

Downed power lines. Never touch a downed line or go near it, no matter how harmless it looks. The line could be energized. Stay away and keep children and pets at least 10 feet away from downed lines. Treat all downed power lines as if they are energized and dangerous.

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 manufacturer’s instructions carefully and plug essential appliances directly into the generator.

Downed lines and other hazards can be reported to SWEPCO at 888-218-3919. Report outages online at swepco.com.

REA customers can report outages at 888-265-2743