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CPS Energy sends crews to Florida as Hurricane Ian builds in Gulf Coast
Visitors to the Southernmost Point buoy brave the high waves from Hurricane Ian crash for photos, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, in Key West, Fla. Ian was forecast to strengthen even more over warm Gulf of Mexico waters, reaching top winds of 140 mph (225 kmh) as it approaches the Floridaâs southwest coast. (Rob O’Neal/The Key West Citizen via AP)
Rob O’Neal/APHeavy rain and wind gusts of up to 130 miles per hour are expected to descend on Florida as Hurricane Ian develops into a Category 4 storm. As of Tuesday afternoon, September 27, the New York Times is reporting 100 shelters have already opened for evacuees across Florida, while Texas is preparing to assist with storm recovery efforts.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the deployment of the Texas A&M Task Force 1 — one of 28 federal teams under FEMA’s National Urban Search and Rescue System — activating 45 personnel, four boats, and 2 canines, according to a press release from Abbott’s office.
The team, one of two statewide search and rescue groups under the Texas Division of Emergency Management, will be joined by power restoration crew members, management, and support staff from San Antonio’s CPS Energy in assistance efforts.
The team, made up of nearly 36 employees, according to a press release, will leave in the early hours of Wednesday, September 28, with overhead linemen, pole crew, fleet personnel, and safety teams embarking to Jacksonville, Florida. They’ll assist the Jacksonville Electric Authority in restoring power to affected customers following the storm.
Hurricane Ian is already projected to impact travel plans for thousands with FlightAware already reporting more than 1,5000 flights canceled as of Tuesday afternoon. Disney World in Orlando will close all theme parks and water parks Wednesday and Thursday, September 29, per reports.