Gulf Power is warning some of its customers to be prepared to be without power for several weeks following Hurricane Michael.
On Saturday morning, an update was sent out saying crews had restored power to more than 40,000 customers. They also released estimated restoration times for some areas.
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The estimated restoration times are for about 95 percent of customers who are able to take service, according to a news release. The company says customers in the hardest hit areas “should prepare to be without power for weeks.”
More: Gulf Power explains how to help crews working to restore power
“We’re committed to getting the entire community up and running as soon as possible,” spokesman Jeff Rogers said. “It’s important for our customers to understand that it’s going to take longer in some areas to rebuild our electrical system – some of our major line infrastructure is located in heavily wooded areas or is difficult to access.”
ESTIMATED RESTORATION TIMES:
- Bay County west of Highway 79: Midnight on Oct. 14
- Bay County east of Highway 79 to the Hathaway Bridge: Midnight on Oct. 15
- Holmes, Jackson and Washington counties: Midnight on Oct. 19
Gulf Power says it is still trying to estimate restoration times in downtown Panama City, Callaway, Parker, Lynn Haven, Youngstown and surrounding areas.
“We ask for patience and understanding over the coming days and weeks,” Rogers said. “Crews will be working 24 hours a day, seven days a week until every last customer has power. More storm restoration crews have been secured, bringing the total to more than 5,800 storm personnel working to restore power.”
More than 106,000 customers were still without power as of Friday evening.
You can find more information on Gulf Power’s website.
