Hurricane Idalia: Monitoring power outages across Tampa Bay area

Duke Energy preparing for power outages

Jordan Bowen reports

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - In addition to storm surge, Florida's Gulf Coast is experiencing widespread power outages after Hurricane Idalia made landfall and utility crews are beginning to respond.

Tropicana Field over in St. Petersburg was Duke Energy's command center where they staged about 250 bucket trucks and about 250 pickup trucks and then approximately a dozen of massive tanks.

More than 1,200 electricians, engineers, tree trimmers and mechanics from all over the country are responding to outages caused by the brunt of Idalia.

TIMELINE: Hurricane Idalia: What to expect as storm hits Florida

"My most important thing to tell customers if there’s a downed power line, stay away. You don’t know if it’s live or not," said Lee Freeman, a Duke Energy spokesperson. "I want everybody to stay safe and stay alive and also give everyone the space, so our workers can do their work and get your power back up as best possible."

Tampa Electric (TECO) said they also secured thousands of workers from more than 20 states to help restore power to their customers impacted by Idalia. They have about 3,000 workers, including line crews, tree trimmers and damage assessors will be helping out.

TECO said it is a member of the Southeastern Electric Exchange, which has a network of utilities that pledge to assist in case of storms or other emergencies.

"Hurricane Idalia has the potential to cause significant damage, and we are doing everything we can to prepare for a safe restoration," said Archie Collins, the president and CEO of TECO. "The safety of our customers and employees is our No. 1 priority, and I encourage our customers to prepare for extended power outages. Please stay safe."