Hurricane Milton slammed into the Sunshine State, leaving tens of thousands of Florida residents without power. Many Florida energy companies warned customers in advance to prepare for outages caused by the storm. Duke Energy Florida said in a statement earlier Wednesday that it was staging resources along the outside of the hurricane’s projected path to respond to outages as soon as weather and other conditions allow.

Real-Time Updates and Information

The impact of Hurricane Milton was felt across the state with widespread power outages reported. Many Florida energy companies, like Duke Energy Florida, were prepared for the storm and deployed resources to address outages as quickly as possible once weather conditions allowed. Both LCEC and FPL, major energy providers in Florida, provide interactive outage maps that are updated in real-time. These maps are invaluable resources for tracking the extent and progress of power restoration efforts.

Keeping Informed

These real-time maps are essential tools for both residents and emergency response teams. They allow everyone to track the progress of power restoration and identify areas that are most affected. The data is refreshed once every 15 minutes, providing a dynamic view of the situation.

Navigating the Aftermath

After a storm, accessing these maps can be a lifeline for affected residents. Here are some tips for using the outage maps effectively:

• Locate your area: Identify your location on the map and check the status of power in your area. This will give you a clear picture of the situation and provide an estimate of when power might be restored.
• Check for updates: The maps are constantly updated, so it's essential to check back regularly for the latest information. This will help you stay informed about the progress of restoration efforts.
• Share information: Share the links to the outage maps with friends, family, and neighbors who might be affected by the storm. This will help to disseminate critical information and ensure everyone is aware of the situation.

Community Support and Safety

In addition to providing outage information, both LCEC and FPL emphasize the importance of community safety during and after a storm. They urge residents to stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately. Residents should also use generators safely, following manufacturer instructions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and other hazards.

Powering Through the Storm

Hurricane Milton’s impact highlights the importance of preparedness and the vital role that real-time information plays during a storm. Accessing these outage maps can be crucial for staying informed and safe. The maps offer a dynamic snapshot of the situation, helping residents to navigate the aftermath and connect with resources as needed. By staying vigilant, taking necessary precautions, and leveraging the available resources, Florida communities can power through the challenges of a hurricane and emerge stronger.

For more information and to access the outage maps, visit LCEC Outage Map and FPL Outage Map.