A Florida utility company is making preparations for potential power outages as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches the Gulf Coast region. The storm is expected to intensify into a Category 3 hurricane before making landfall on Wednesday. Duke Energy is mobilizing 4,500 employees, including technicians and support personnel, to respond to any disruptions to the electric grid in affected areas. The company is closely monitoring the storm’s path, intensity, and timing, and is strategically staging resources in safe locations. Duke Energy emphasizes the importance of customers taking the storm seriously and ensuring that their homes and families are prepared.
Forecasters predict that the storm will impact central parts of Florida, including cities like Orlando and Tampa, as well as the panhandle. The National Weather Service tweeted that Idalia is forecasted to become a major hurricane, posing a risk of life-threatening storm surge and dangerous hurricane-force winds along the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle.
To visually support the story, a photograph shows members of the Tampa Parks and Recreation Department helping residents load sandbags in preparation for the storm.
In addition to their preparations, Duke Energy advises local residents to make alternative shelter arrangements, especially for seniors and those with special medical needs. It is essential to have essential supplies such as flashlights, batteries, bottled water, nonperishable foods, and medicines on hand, along with a portable, battery-operated radio, TV, or weather radio. Residents who rely on medical equipment should also have backup power available and a plan for emergency transportation to the nearest hospital.
Duke Energy warns residents to stay away from downed or sagging power lines and report any hazards to the utility or local emergency services. It is crucial to consider all lines and trees in contact with lines as energized.
Customers can stay informed about power disruptions by signing up for outage alerts provided by Duke Energy. The company supplies electricity to 1.9 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Florida.
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Alain Sherter, a CBSNews.com reporter, covers business and economic affairs.
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