Beware downed trees and power lines - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

MONROE, La., (KNOE 8 News) - Downed power lines and trees causing more problems and are becoming a real hazard in our area.

In various areas where this winter weather is causing problems, the additional problem of trees and power lines falling due to the weight of the ice and water is causing an additional hazard.

Police and Fire Departments have been responding to a number of reports of downed power lines and trees obstructing roadways due to the weight of accumulating ice, throughout the area.

Crews from Entergy are working to restore the lines and The Monroe Public Works Department is working to remove the trees and debris from the roadways. Monroe Traffic Engineering is placing barricades in some locations to completely block the roadway until the crews can get to them.

Drivers and pedestrians should ALWAYS give down lines and trees plenty of room and should always assume that any downed power lines are live. Many will be.

Touching a downed line will likely create severe injury and even death. Even stepping into water or wet ground near a downed line can cause severe injuries or death.

Motorists should be extra aware of these additional hazard and are asked to detour all downed lines for their safety.

Motorists are also asked to report any roadway obstructions to the Monroe Police Department at 329-2600. As a reminder, when traffic lights are out, the intersection should be considered as a four-way stop. Please drive safely and do not overdrive the roadway conditions.