Hurricane Milton Causes Widespread Power Outages In Tampa

A person checks papers with his mobile phone lamp during a power outage, in Bejucal

As Hurricane Milton made landfall in Tampa, Florida, powerful winds caused widespread outages, leaving 70% of Tampa Electric's utility customers in the dark. Tampa Electric President and CEO, Archie Collins, expressed concern over the unprecedented number of customers without power, emphasizing the challenges faced by the local power grid.

Collins highlighted the difficulty in assessing the full extent of the damage due to safety concerns for crews navigating the affected areas. The eyewall of the hurricane passed directly over Hillsborough County, bringing some of the strongest winds ever experienced in the region. Collins described the situation as a 'game changer,' with anticipated damage surpassing anything witnessed in recent memory.

Tampa Electric President Archie Collins expressed concern over the extensive outages.

70% of Tampa Electric's customers lost power due to Hurricane Milton.

Safety concerns hindered crews from assessing the full damage caused by the hurricane.

According to Collins, Hurricane Milton inflicted the most severe damage to power systems he has ever witnessed personally. The aftermath of the storm necessitated a focused effort on safety measures and community restoration.

Collins emphasized the need for prioritizing safety and recovery efforts in the wake of the devastating impact on the local power infrastructure. The community faces significant challenges in restoring power and normalcy following the destructive force of Hurricane Milton.