Severe weather has brought widespread power outages and dangerous road conditions to West Monroe, Louisiana, disrupting everyday life and prompting emergency rerouting of traffic in several parts of Ouachita Parish and Lincoln Parish.
Thousands lose power across Ouachita and Lincoln parishes
According to Entergy, nearly 5,000 residents in Ouachita Parish are without electricity. The worst-hit areas include Downtown West Monroe, the southern part of West Monroe, Richwood, and the Garden District, all reporting major electrical disruptions.
In neighboring Lincoln Parish, about 800 more customers have also been affected, as violent weather systems moved through northeast Louisiana late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
Utility poles snapped and traffic chaos on North 7th Street
The West Monroe Police Department (WMPD) reported that five utility poles have been knocked down on North 7th Street, near Parkwood Drive, causing significant traffic problems. All southbound traffic is being diverted to Parkwood, while northbound lanes remain open but caution is advised.
Additionally, traffic lights at North 7th Street and Cypress Street are completely out, raising safety concerns. Officials urged drivers to treat these intersections as four-way stops until power can be safely restored.
No timeline for restoration amid ongoing hazards
At this point, utility crews have not yet provided a timeline for when power will be restored or roadways cleared, as teams are still assessing the damage and responding to emergency calls. The risk of downed power lines remains high, and residents are urged to stay alert and avoid damaged areas.
