( KLFY ) — Local utility repair crews are on the way to Florida to be on hand to help restore power in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Helene is expected to make landfall Thursday in the Florida panhandle as at least a Category 3 storm.
SLEMCO line workers left early this morning bound for the “Big Bend” of Florida to assist Talquin Electric Cooperative in their power restoration efforts. Hurricane Helene is currently forecasted to strike Talquin’s service area as a direct hit.
SLEMCO’s team includes 35 line workers with varying skill sets, including overhead and underground line construction and tree-trimming. Bucket trucks, digger-derricks, material handlers, off-road equipment, pole trailers and utility trailers were sent to help.
Cleco crews are traveling to Pensacola, Florida. Five Cleco line crews, which consist of approximately 40 line mechanics, will assist Florida Power & Light (FPL) with restoration efforts. The line crews are from across Cleco’s service territory including Pineville, Rosepine, New Iberia, Bunkie, Opelousas and Covington.