As Hurricane Milton continues to wreak havoc across Florida, the number of power outages has surged dramatically, with over 2 million homes and businesses currently without electricity. This alarming statistic comes as strong winds and torrential rains have knocked down power lines and inundated communities, leading to widespread disruptions.
According to the latest data from PowerOutage.us, the impact of Hurricane Milton has resulted in significant power outages across the state. As of Thursday, more than 2 million customers have reported losing power, with the situation expected to worsen as the storm progresses. The hurricane made landfall near Siesta Key in Sarasota County and is now moving across central Florida, bringing with it heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and the potential for tornadoes.
The hardest-hit regions include Pinellas County, where over 218,000 customers are without power, and Sarasota County, which has reported around 235,000 outages. Other areas like Manatee and Hillsborough counties are also experiencing significant disruptions.
In anticipation of the storm’s impact, major utility companies such as Florida Power & Light (FPL) and Duke Energy have mobilized thousands of personnel to restore power as quickly as possible.
FPL has deployed approximately 14,500 workers, supported by crews from 37 states, to address the anticipated widespread outages. Duke Energy has also prepared around 10,000 responders to assist in restoration efforts.
Utility officials have warned residents to prepare for extended outages due to the extensive damage expected from Hurricane Milton. “Despite our extensive preparations, the strong winds and flooding will cause significant damage,” said Todd Fountain, Duke Energy Florida’s storm director.
Residents are urged to take safety precautions as they navigate this challenging situation:
Authorities recommend that homeowners turn off their power at the breaker box if they live in flood-prone areas. This precaution is essential to prevent electrical hazards should floodwaters rise.
Residents are advised to stay clear of downed power lines and report any outages immediately to their utility provider. The risk of electrocution is heightened during storms due to hidden hazards in debris.
The aftermath of Hurricane Milton follows closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene, which had already left many communities grappling with recovery efforts. The cumulative impact of these storms raises concerns about infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness in Florida:
The repeated battering from hurricanes has strained local infrastructure, leading to calls for improved disaster response strategies and investment in more resilient power systems.
In light of the severe weather conditions and extensive damage reports, federal assistance may be mobilized to support recovery efforts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is expected to coordinate with state officials to assess damages and provide necessary aid.