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:

• Pre-positioning damage assessment teams and restoration personnel, including dozens of drone teams, to get the right crews in the right place to support the restoration.
• Restoring power between bands of severe weather when it is safe to do so.
• Coordinating with local emergency management officials to clear roads for restoration workers.

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.

If using a portable generator:

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper use.
• Plug appliances directly into the generator, not into the main electric panel, because the electricity may flow back into power lines and cause injuries.
• Ensure only a licensed electrician connects a generator to a main electric panel.
• Never operate a generator inside your home or garage.
• Keep generators well away from open windows to prevent dangerous fumes from entering your home or a neighbor’s home.

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:    

• 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: FPL Newsroom Digital Library 

How to reach us:

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

Additional resources:

• Please stay safe after the storm