Paris, Arkansas power outages 90% restored

PARIS, Ark. – About 90% of power outages have been restored Wednesday morning as crews continue to make repairs to homes without air conditioning during a heatwave.

The temperatures in the River Valley were as high as 107 degrees Tuesday, and more of the same was expected Wednesday afternoon. An excessive heat advisory was issued for Paris and western Arkansas from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Late Sunday night, a sudden storm hit the central part of Paris, knocking out power to 850 homes, said Paris Mayor Daniel Rogers. He said the city's electric company has been assisted by contractors who expect total restoration by Wednesday evening.

A damage estimate from the storm is not yet available, but a disaster has been declared so that federal assistance may be available, Rogers said.

Roofs were blown off of buildings and trees were damaged in the late night storm that did bring rain during a drought. A number of utility poles were toppled but what appeared to have been straight line winds or a sudden downburst of wind, Rogers said.

There have been no reports of injuries. The Paris High School cafeteria has been open for those who need a place to cool down.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: 90% of power outages restored Wednesday in Paris, Ark.