Duke Energy crews have started power restoration efforts and are staging additional teams as Hurricane Helene moves north.

 Duke Energy is actively restoring power as Hurricane Helene approaches Florida, with nearly 42,000 customers restored so far. Currently, around 47,000 customers remain without power. The company has staged 8,000 crews at seven locations across the state to respond to storm impacts. Todd Fountain, Duke Energy's Storm Director, warned that significant damage is expected, particularly in the Panhandle and Big Bend areas, leading to potentially extended outages. Customers are advised to prepare for long outage periods and can report outages via text, call, or online. Duke Energy is committed to safety and will resume restoration efforts as conditions improve.