10/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/08/2024 13:10
The latest: Hurricane Milton is the fourth strongest hurricane to form in the Atlantic Basin and will have extensive and wide-reaching impacts. Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) is finalizing its preparations and urging customers across the state to be ready for potential prolonged outages. Milton is forecast to make landfall on Florida's west coast as a major hurricane and is expected to maintain its hurricane strength before exiting the state's east coast. FPL has strategically pre-positioned a restoration workforce of approximately 14,500 men and women, equipment and supplies, including mutual assistance from 37 states across the U.S.
Why it matters: Milton is the second major hurricane to make landfall in Florida in just two weeks. Torrential rainfall over the past week across the state and the lingering impacts from Hurricane Helene have saturated the ground and left storm debris ahead of Milton's projected landfall.
A word from FPL President and CEO Armando Pimentel: "Hurricane Milton is going to bring heavy rains, damaging winds, life-threatening storm surge and flooding. Customers need to be prepared. This storm will bring extended outages. That said, I want to assure our customers we are prepared and will be working around-the-clock to restore power."
What FPL is doing:
What customers should do before the storm:
If using a portable generator:
What to expect in the immediate aftermath of the storm: Because of Milton's size, it will have wide-reaching impacts across the state. Customers need to be prepared for the potential of extended power outages, even in areas that are not in the direct path of the storm. As soon as it is safe to do so, FPL will conduct damage assessments with field crews and will begin the process of restoring power. Streets and neighborhoods may experience downed trees, flooding and other damage that may not be immediately visible. This could delay restoration efforts. Customers should keep safety top of mind after Milton and stay far away from downed power lines, flooded areas, debris and follow manufacturers' instructions for generators.
How customers can stay connected: FPL communicates restoration information to customers frequently through the news media and the following resources:
Visuals to download: FPL Newsroom Digital Library
How to reach us:
Additional resources: