As Hurricane Milton continues to move northeast and is set to make landfall on the Florida Gulf Coast as a Category 4 storm late Wednesday or early Thursday, utility companies in Mississippi are mobilizing to help neighbors who will soon be in need.
Entergy Mississippi announced on social media Tuesday that crews currently in Virginia and helping restore power after Hurricane Helene’s landfall a week and a half ago are now on standby for Hurricane Milton. The latest storm, which has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida, is expected to force millions of residents to go without power for an extended period.
Dixie Electric Power Association, a Laurel-based company, will be teaming up with Entergy Mississippi and other local utilities to restore power once Milton rolls through. Dixie Electric trucks rolled out early Wednesday morning and are headed to aid Peace River Electric, a cooperative headquartered in Wauchula, Fla., that serves more than 65,000 homes and businesses.
“Our hearts are with the communities that will be impacted by Hurricane Milton, and we’re proud to send 19 of our dedicated personnel to Florida to help restore power,” said Amanda Mills, communication manager for Dixie Electric. “Many of our linemen are leaving behind young children and even pregnant wives to answer the call for help. Their selflessness and sacrifice reflect the very spirit of what it means to be part of a cooperative family.”
Milton is currently projected to make landfall in the Tampa Bay area with tropical storm conditions possible in Georgia and South Carolina. Mississippi is not expected to receive any impact.
