SWEPCO workers head to Florida to help prepare for Hurricane Ian

September 27, 2022 at 10:00 p.m.

by Mallory Wyatt

A resident uses plastic as protection from the rain in Batabano, Cuba, Monday, Sept. 26, 2022. Hurricane Ian was growing stronger as it approached the western tip of Cuba on a track to hit the west coast of Florida as a major hurricane as early as Wednesday. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)
A resident uses plastic as protection from the rain in Batabano, Cuba, Monday, Sept. 26, 2022. Hurricane Ian was growing stronger as it approached the western tip of Cuba on a track to hit the west coast of Florida as a major hurricane as early as Wednesday. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

TEXARKANA, Texas -- As Hurricane Ian grows in strength, hundreds of Southwest Electric Power Co. workers are headed toward Florida to aid local utility companies.

"This morning we sent about 300 personnel -- SWEPCO employees and contractors -- to Florida to assist in preparation for Hurricane Ian," said SWEPCO communications consultant Michelle Marcotte.

SWEPCO executive Drew Seidel said the workers will be ready to help restore power to Floridian businesses and residences once the storm passes.

"Just as other utility companies have answered our call in times of need, we'll be ready to assist those who are impacted by this storm," he said.

According to the Associated Press, the hurricane struck Cuba on Tuesday and has left 100 million people without electricity. The storm is predicted to strengthen to a Category 4 system with Florida in its path.

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