PARIS, Arkansas — Straight line winds hit the City of Paris Sunday, July 17, severely damaging the town's electric system.
According to the City's Facebook page, the storm caused trees and powerlines to fall all over the city.
Crews are working to rebuild but say it will likely take a few days. Officials are asking residents to prepare to be without electricity for at least two days.
As of Tuesday, July 19, power has been restored to half of the homes in Paris. To help repair the more than 40 broken power poles, crews from all over the state are in Paris helping until every resident has electricity again.
At around 9:30 a.m. on Monday, July 18, the city of Paris announced that power went out at the water treatment plant. Nearly three hours later, the mayor said that power has been restored but is still asking residents to conserve use.
To help conserve their food, residents can keep their refrigerator and freezer doors closed. If the doors stay closed, food will remain safe for up to four hours in a refrigerator, 48 hours in a full freezer and 24 hours in a half-full freezer.
The city says Mayor Daniel Rogers is working with the school district to open an area in the high school as a cooling station. More information on when that will open will be released soon.
Storm damage in Paris, Arkansas
City officials also ask everyone to conserve water because the tanks are low, causing water pressure issues. They ask that you only use water when you absolutely need to.
Water bottles are available at the cooling center inside the Paris High School cafeteria.
Stay with 5NEWS for updates on this developing story.
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