The latest: Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) is actively restoring power to impacted customers as Helene affects the state. FPL has mobilized a restoration workforce of thousands, with crews actively restoring power when it is safe to do so. Customers need to be prepared for potential widespread, extended power outages and continue to keep safety first.
Why it matters: Helene is expected to make landfall in Florida’s Big Bend area tonight as a major hurricane. The storm will bring devastating winds, heavy rainfall, flooding and dangerous storm surge throughout much of the state as it approaches land. Downed trees, flooding and other damage could delay restoration efforts.
A word from FPL President and CEO Armando Pimentel: “We have crews positioned throughout the state. They are actively responding and restoring power and will continue to do so as the weather allows. We will not stop until every customer is restored.”
What FPL is doing:
- Restoring power between bands of severe weather when it is safe to do so.
- Pre-positioning damage assessment teams, including dozens of drone teams, to get the right crews in the right place for a quick restoration.
- Coordinating with local emergency management officials to clear roads for lineworkers.
What customers should do after the storm:
- Safety is FPL’s top priority for its crews and customers. Even when the winds subside, conditions can be dangerous. Customers should continue to heed warnings from local emergency officials.
- Stay far away from downed power lines, flooding and debris; assume that lines are energized.
- Use extreme caution while driving. Power interruptions may cause traffic signals to stop working without warning. If you come to an intersection with a non-working traffic signal, Florida law requires that you treat it as a four-way stop.
- If you are using a portable generator, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper use. Never operate a generator inside your home or garage.
- If customers have an emergency, call 911.
- If power goes out, FPL is aware and has crews responding as long as it is safe to do so. However, customers can report a downed power line or sparking electrical equipment to FPL by calling 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243).
How customers can stay connected:
FPL communicates restoration information to customers frequently through the news media and the following resources:
- FPL website: FPL.com
- X: X.com/insideFPL
- Facebook: facebook.com/FPLconnect
- FPL Power Tracker: FPL.com/powertracker
- FPL Power Tracker (Northwest Florida): FPL.com/mypowertracker
- FPL app: Download from the App Store or Google Play, or text the word “App” to MyFPL (69375)
Visuals to download:
How to reach us:
- 561-694-4442
- Media.relations@fpl.com
- @FPL_Newsroom
Additional resources:
FPL is ready to respond as Helene approaches the state. FPL has assembled a restoration workforce of thousands and is pre-positioning crews, equipment and supplies to restore power safely and as quickly as possible.
As Tropical Storm Helene moves toward the Florida coast, FPL is mobilizing a restoration workforce of thousands and finalizing preparations to restore electric service as quickly as possible.