LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – Severe thunderstorms moved through Louisiana early this morning causing power outages.

Cleco officials said nearly 20,000 customers lost power. As of Wednesday morning, power has been restored to about  10,000 customers.  The severe storms impacted many of the parishes Cleco serves with Grant and Rapides being the hardest hit. 

“Cleco crews are working hard to restore power to all those impacted by these severe thunderstorms, and we are getting some contractor crews to assist us,” said James Lass, director of distribution operations and emergency management.  “Crews also are working to clear debris and pick up electrical power lines and poles knocked down by the damaging winds.”

To track power outages with Cleco, click here.

Cleco reminds customers to be aware of possible downed power lines.  Stay away from low-hanging or downed power lines and do not touch anything touching a downed power line.  Call Cleco and 911 to report an unsafe situation with electricity.