Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) urges customers to prepare for widespread power outages over multiple days as Hurricane Ian impacts Florida’s West coast. The company has a restoration workforce of nearly 16,000 men and women, including mutual assistance from 27 states. The team in the field is already restoring power in parts of the service area impacted by feeder bands from this dangerous, damaging and slow-moving storm.
The latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center, issued at 11 a.m., indicates that Hurricane Ian is expected to make landfall along Florida’s west coast as a major hurricane. The path could shift from the current forecast track, and regardless of Ian’s exact landfall, much of FPL’s service area will feel the effects of this powerful storm.
“We urge our customers to not let their guard down, finalize their preparations, prepare for extended outages and make safety their highest priority,” said Eric Silagy, chairman and CEO of FPL. “Beyond damaging wind speeds, Hurricane Ian is poised to bring onshore heavy rains, storm surge and flooding, all of which will create dangerous conditions. Hurricane Ian is expected to slow down and even stall after making landfall, creating treacherous conditions for an extended period of time, which could delay restoration efforts. Please stay safe and rest assured knowing that FPL will be working around the clock to restore power.”
As Ian’s outer bands have begun moving into Florida, FPL has worked to restore power and will continue doing so as long as conditions allow. Even when conditions deteriorate over the coming days, FPL will use smart grid technology to restore power where possible. When winds drop below 35 miles per hour, FPL is able to continue restoration and conduct damage assessments with field crews. These assessments, which include data gathered from a fleet of drones, help the company assign the right crews and right equipment to the right place and give customers a more accurate estimate of when the company will complete restoration in each region.
Depending on Hurricane Ian’s ultimate path and intensity, damage to the electrical infrastructure could be extensive due to severe winds, storm surge, flooding and possible tornados. This damage could require extended repair work, and in extreme cases require parts of the system to be rebuilt. Flooding, fallen structures, debris and other obstacles also can affect the scope and speed of power restoration. Debris and flooding are anticipated to cause restoration challenges. Rain-soaked soil will make trees susceptible to toppling onto power lines and even uproot underground power lines. After waiting for flooding to subside, tree-trimming crews will need to cut away trees and other vegetation before line workers can begin finding and fixing damage.
