Some Power Outages Could Last Several Days To More Than A Week

ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- At noon, Hurricane Michael was still 50 miles from land but, already, 30,000 homes were without power in the Panhandle.

However, based on the hurricane's current track, Duke Energy Florida projects 100,000 to 200,000 power outages in the Florida Panhandle.

The outage projections are based on the company’s storm modeling tool, which analyzes variables including storm magnitude, wind speed, size of the wind field and ground saturation.

Duke Energy anticipates significant, widespread power outages, particularly along the coastline of the company’s service area due to storm surge.

Historical data and company experience indicate complete restoration from a storm of this magnitude could take multiple days to more than a week – depending on the extent of actual damage, crews’ ability to access remote areas and islands, and conditions following the storm, such as flooding.

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Duke Energy, one of three major power companies serving counties in the Panhandle, has mobilized more than 7,000 personnel who are prepared to work around the clock to restore customers’ power, company officials said.

Crews from Duke Energy’s Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky operations will assist – as will workers from other utility companies based in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Illinois, Texas and Missouri.

Another 6,000 utility workers from Florida Power & Light and Gulf Power are in the Panhandle to restore power in their services areas.

In advance of the hurricane, the power companies are asking residents for their patience.

While residents are hunkered down in shelters, hotels and homes during a hurricane, utility repair crews are often called out in hazardous weather, which can make the repair work more difficult and more dangerous.

Here's some tips to stay safe during a power outage:

• Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging. Consider all lines energized as well as trees, limbs or anything in contact with lines.
• Keep a portable radio or TV, or NOAA weather radio on hand to monitor weather forecasts and important information from state and local officials.
• Charge cellphones, computers and other electronic devices in advance of the storm to stay connected to important safety and response information. Consider purchasing portable chargers and make sure they are fully charged as well.
• Maintain a plan to move family members – especially those with special needs – to a safe, alternative location in case an extended power outage occurs or evacuation is required
• If a power line falls across a car that you're in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.
• Report all outages and power line hazards to your utility provider

Duke Energy: 1-800-228-8485

Gulf Power: 1-800-487-6937

Florida Power & Light: 1-800-468-8243

TECO: 877-588-1010

Lakeland Electric: 863-834-9535

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Hurricane Michael Threatens 'Unimaginable Devastation'
Hurricane Michael Speeds Closer; Some Florida Evacuations Ordered
Hurricane Michael: FL Governor Activates 750 National Guardsmen
Hurricane Michael: Airports Close; Airlines Cancel Flights
Hurricane Michael: Tampa Bay Won't Escape Impacts
As Hurricane Michael Nears, Gov. Will Still Join Trump In Orlando

Image via Duke Energy