Utility providers were preparing for over a million power outages when Hurricane Milton hits Florida, which comes as the state is still recovering from Hurricane Helene.

More than 25,000 outages had already been reported in Florida by 1:15 p.m. ET Wednesday, according to the USA TODAY power outage tracker, with many more expected as Milton approaches landfall late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. You can follow the latest outage numbers using the map embed below.

"As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida’s west coast, Duke Energy Florida is urging its customers to prepare for this catastrophic storm and a lengthy power restoration process that will result in extended outages," stated Duke Energy on its website, which provides electricity to 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.

Live hurricane updates:Milton spinning up tornadoes as storm moves closer to Florida

On Monday, the company said it would mobilize around 10,000 responders to prepare for the high amount of outages its customers could face, potentially over a million. Similarly, Florida Power and Light Company, FPL, prepositioned a workforce of 14,500 people to address power outages after the storm.

"Based on the current track, Hurricane Milton will impact the most populated areas of our service territory," said Todd Fountain, Duke Energy Florida's storm director, in a statement. "Despite extensive system improvements and rigorous tree trimming, the strong winds and flooding will cause power outages. Customers should expect significant damage and make immediate preparations for extended power outage durations."

Florida power outage map

Hurricane force winds and tropical storm winds could hit areas around the state of Florida, Rick Davis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service told USA TODAY, which means cities and counties that aren't in the center of the storm's path could still be affected by power outages.

"Because of Milton’s size, it will have wide-reaching impacts across the state," FPL stated.

What to do (or not to do) during and after the storm

  • Do not walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. You can easily get infected and there's no way to tell if a loose power line could be in there. Back up and pick another path.
  • If rising floodwaters threaten your home or business, or if you are forced to evacuate, turn off your power at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box.
  • Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging. Assume any power line you see is active. Report downed lines to 911 and your local power company and stay at least 35 feet away from them and anything they are touching.
  • If a power line falls across a vehicle while you're in it, stay in it and call for help. If you have to get out due to fire or flooding, jump out and land with both feet, make sure you do not touch the car and the ground at the same time.
  • Never touch a circuit break or replace a fuse while standing on a wet surface. If a circuit breaker has been tripped, contact an electrician to inspect them before turning them on.
  • Don't use any electrical equipment or electronics that have been submerged. Have a qualified electrical inspector check the electrical system.

How to prepare for a power outage

  • Take an inventory of the items you need that require electricity and make sure you have batteries or alternative power sources for all of them. Charge up any portable chargers or power banks.
  • Talk to your medical provider about medical devices powered by electricity and your best course of action. Ask about any refrigerated medicines you need and how long they can be stored at higher temperatures.
  • Make sure you have enough nonperishable food and water. Keep your freezers and refrigerators closed. Experts say a refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours, while a full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary.
  • Unplug any appliances or electronics in your home, including internet modems and TV cables to avoid problems with power spikes when it comes back on.
  • Do not turn off utilities unless you suspect damage or local officials tell you to.

How do I report or check on power outages?

Check your utility bill for contact information. Some common power companies in Florida are:

  • Beaches Energy: Call 904-247-6241.
  • Central Florida Electric Cooperative: Call (800) 227-1302, report online or through the  CFEC Power Partner app, Check the outages map here.
  • Clay Electric Cooperative: Call 1-888-434-9844. Check outages map.
  • Duke Energy: Click here, use the app or call 800-228-8485, check outages map
  • Florida Power & Light: Report it online or through the app, or check your utility bill for your local number. Check the outages map.
  • Fort Pierce Utilities Authority: Call (772) 466-7703.
  • Jackson Energy Authority: Call 731-422-7500 or report online. Check outages map.
  • Lakeland Electric: Call (863) 834-4248, report online or check the outages map
  • New Smyrna Beach Utilities: Call 386-427-1361, report online or check the outages map
  • Orlando Utilities Commission: Call 407-423-9018, text OUT to 69682, or log in to report online. Check the outages map.
  • Peace River Electric Cooperative: Call 800-282-3824, report online or through the app, or text PRECO to 800-282-3824. Check outage map.
  • City of Tallahassee: call 850-891-4968 or 711 (TDD), report online at Talgov.com/Outages or use the DigiTally mobile app
  • SECO Energy: Call (352) 793 -3801 or report online. Check outage map.
  • Talquin Electric: Sign up here for text notification and outage reporting via text, check outages alerts
  • TECO Energy Tampa Electric: Call (813) 223-0800 or 1-888-223-0800 or log into your account. Check outages map.
  • West Florida Electric: Call 1-844-688-2431 or text 1-800-342-7400. Check outages map.
  • Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative: Call 352-567-5133, report online or through the app.

Who is prioritized during outages?

Once power outages begin, restoration efforts will be launched in force wherever and whenever it is safe to do so. But restoration may run into problems left over from Hurricane Helene.

Power restoration will be prioritized to restore power to the largest number of customers as quickly as possible. According to FPL, priorities are given to:

  • Power plants and damaged lines and substations
  • Critical facilities such as hospitals, police and fire stations, communication facilities, water treatment plants and transportation providers
  • Major thoroughfares with supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations and other needed community services.
  • Smaller groups and local areas

Contributing: Gabe Hauari, Anthony Robledo, Eric Lagatta John Bacon, Trevor Hughes, Dinah Voyles Pulver, Christopher Cann, Michael Loria, Thao Nguyen, Samantha Neely, Jennifer Sangalang, Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY

Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. You can connect with her on LinkedIn, follow her on X, formerly Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com

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