Power outages were expected across large parts of Florida as Hurricane Idalia made landfall in the Florida Big Bend as a Category 3 storm around 7:45 a.m. ET Wednesday. The National Hurricane Center estimated maximum sustained winds to be about 125 mph.
The update from the National Hurricane Center warned of “catastrophic storm surge and destructive winds” approaching the Florida Big Bend region. While Idalia was expected to weaken after landfall, it was likely to still be a hurricane while moving across southern Georgia and near the coast of Georgia or southern South Carolina later in the day.
In response to the approaching storm, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 49 of the state’s 67 counties across the northern half of the state, from the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Coast. He urged those in evacuation zones to do so immediately, stating that the weather would only worsen.
As of 6:53 a.m. ET, there were over 88,000 reported power outages in Florida, primarily along the Gulf Coast, according to PowerOutage.Us. Pinellas County had over 19,000 reported outages, Wakulla County had nearly 9,000 reported outages, and Sarasota County had over 7,000. Citrus, Leon, and Levy counties all had over 4,000 reported outages.
The National Weather Service described Hurricane Idalia as an “unprecedented event,” noting that no major hurricane of Category 3 or higher had ever hit the Big Bend’s Apalachee Bay.
Residents were encouraged to stay updated on power outages across the state using USA TODAY’s power outage map.
The forecast track for Hurricane Idalia showed the most likely path of the storm’s center, but it did not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts. The center of the storm could travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time.
Contributing to this report were John Bacon and Christopher Cann from USA TODAY.
How are utility companies in Florida preparing for potential power outages as a result of the approaching hurricane?
Rewrite: Anticipated Power Outages Forecasted for Wide Areas of Florida as Hurricane Approaches
Large sections of Florida are bracing for potential power outages as a powerful hurricane makes its way towards the state. Utility companies, residents, and emergency management officials are preparing for potential disruptions in electricity supply due to the approaching storm.
The Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), the largest electric utility provider in the state, has announced that power outages are expected in many areas as a result of the hurricane’s impact. They have mobilized their team of workers and resources to respond quickly to any outages and work towards restoring power as soon as possible.
Other utility companies across Florida are also gearing up for potential disruptions. They have been coordinating with local authorities and response agencies to ensure a coordinated effort in managing power restoration efforts, should the need arise.
Residents are being urged to stay informed and prepared for possible power outages. They are advised to have a well-stocked emergency kit with necessary supplies, such as flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and non-perishable food items. It is also recommended that individuals have a plan in place for alternative power sources, such as generators, should they experience an extended power outage.
Emergency management officials are closely monitoring the storm’s progress and are ready to deploy resources as needed. They are working together with utility companies to ensure a swift response and quick recovery from any power outages that may occur.
With the hurricane expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain, and potential storm surges, power outages are a significant concern. However, the state is taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact and minimize the duration of any potential outages.
As the storm approaches, it is crucial for residents to heed any evacuation orders and stay updated with the latest information from local authorities. By staying informed and prepared, individuals can better navigate through potential power outages and ensure their safety during the hurricane’s passage.
Stay safe everyone! Praying for the people of Florida during this difficult time. #HurricaneIdalia