By GEORGE MAHL

With the River Parishes on alert because of Hurricane Lili, residents prepared for the worst Wednesday and hoped for the best.

Entergy spokesperson Tammy Frank said the utility company was preparing for the Category Four storm to strike its service territory in south Louisiana by mid-day Thursday.

“Entergy customers should expect massive structural damage, both to company facilities and to customer’s homes and businesses. Restoration in the hardest hit areas could take several weeks,” according to Frank.

She said the company was poised to begin restoring service as soon as it was safe to do so after the hurricane makes landfall. However, conditions such as flooding, search and rescue and excessive debris will limit restoration crews’ access in some areas.

“Our workforce now exceeds 13,000, including lineman, tree trimmers and support personal. Some workers continue enroute and will arrive tomorrow,” said Frank. She said that crews are coming in from all over the service area (Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi) with other utilities on standby.

She reminded customers to prepare for Hurricane Lili and to remain safe after the storm makes landfall.

“Safety is our primary concern, both for restoration workers and the public.”

Frank said that if someone spots a down powerline, then they should call 1-800-9OUTAGE immediately.

Right now, heavy-duty cranes and other special equipment, useful for rebuilding marshland facilities and steel structures, have been secured.

“Entergy has put it suppliers on notice to prepare to supply 20,000 poles and 7,000 transformers to the restoration effort,” Frank said.

Additional material would be continued as the restoration continues.