The latest: Idalia has strengthened into a hurricane, continues to intensify and has the potential to impact customers prior to its likely landfall Wednesday on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Idalia will cause widespread power outages and could remain at hurricane strength as it crosses the state. FPL has mobilized a restoration workforce of approximately 12,000 men and women and established 18 staging, parking and processing sites.

Why it matters: Idalia is expected to bring strong winds, torrential rain, flooding and storm surge, which will cause power outages. Customers should finalize their preparations and keep safety at the forefront of everything they do. FPL is prepared and will respond safely and as quickly as possible.

What FPL is doing:

• The company has amassed a workforce of approximately 12,000 men and women to support restoration efforts.
• Restoration personnel, supplies and equipment are strategically pre-positioned to quickly start work as soon as the storm clears and it is safe to do so.  
• The company will utilize 18 staging, parking and processing sites to help speed restoration. 

What customers should do before the storm:

• Safety is always FPL’s first priority. Customers should make it their top priority, too.
• Don’t trim trees – high winds can turn branches into dangerous, flying debris.
• Follow the advice of federal, state and local authorities. This is especially important for people living in low-lying areas and manufactured homes who may face additional challenges during a severe weather event.
• Customers dependent on electric-powered, life-sustaining medical equipment should review their family emergency plans for backup power or make arrangements to relocate now.
• Quickly download the FPL app for on-the-go, instant and secure account access by texting the word “App” to MyFPL (69375).
• For more safety tips, visit FPL.com/Storm.

What to expect in the immediate aftermath of the storm: Customers should be prepared for widespread power outages. 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, which could delay restoration efforts. Customers should keep safety top of mind after Idalia and stay far away from downed power lines, flooded areas and debris, and follow manufacturers’ instructions for generators. 

A word from FPL President and CEO Armando Pimentel:

“As Hurricane Idalia intensifies and quickly approaches Florida, we urge customers to prioritize their safety. Resist the temptation to trim trees or clear debris in these final hours before landfall. In the aftermath of the storm, do not approach downed power lines or try to walk through flooded areas. We prepare all year for hurricane season, and we are ready to bring the lights back on for customers safely and as quickly as possible and get through these challenging days ahead together.”

Visuals to download:

• Video: FPL rolls out Mobile Command Center in Vero Beach, Florida.
• Video: FPL crews pre-position trucks in Chipley, Florida.

How FPL communicates during a storm:

• FPL website: FPL.com     
• Twitter: twitter.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)   

How to reach us:

• 561-694-4442
• Media.relations@fpl.com
• @FPL_Newsroom