SECO Energy Tracking Tropical Storm Nicole
November 9, 2022 – SECO Energy is tracking Tropical Storm Nicole as it speeds up toward Florida’s east coast. Nicole is expected to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall overnight. As the storm arrives in SECO’s service area, members will experience widespread rains and gusty winds that can cause downed trees and power outages.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast at 7 AM showed Nicole with 70 mph sustained winds and movement west-southwest at 13 mph. Nicole is forecast to make landfall on the east coast overnight tonight as a Category 1 hurricane.
There are varying forecasts on the impact to SECO territory. The actual path of Nicole across Florida will ultimately determine the impacts to SECO. The worst-case scenario is 50 mph or higher sustained winds across SECO’s system. The best-case scenario is 25 mph winds. Today, SECO will be strategically staging its Operations employees, preparing its existing contracted line/tree crews and seeking additional mutual aid from other organizations.
Current School Closure Announcements:
Lake County: Thursday and Friday
Marion County: Thursday
Sumter County: Thursday and Friday
Citrus County: None published at this time
CEO Curtis Wynn assured members that SECO Energy is prepared for Tropical Storm Nicole. Wynn stated, “SECO Energy is keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Nicole. We are StormReady and prepared to respond to outages caused by tropical storms and hurricanes. Late season storm activity reminds us to stay vigilant for the possibility that a hurricane or tropical storm will head our way. Models have continued to shift, so the ultimate track and landfall remain unknown. I urge you to be prepared for the storm’s effects in our service area.”
StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform for members to report outages, check the status of an existing outage and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice or all three. Visit StormCenter today and bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily.
Major weather events can cause extended power outages. SECO Energy reminds members to follow safety protocols when using a generator during a power outage. Generators emit deadly carbon monoxide (CO) that is odorless and colorless. Thousands of people die each year from CO poisoning. Never operate a generator in an enclosed space, including a garage. Always place the generator at least 15 to 20 feet away from your home and never near open windows.
Before operating a generator, thoroughly read and review the owner’s manual. Never plug a generator directly into an electrical outlet. This current flow is deadly for utility personnel. Keep children away from an operating generator and store fuel in approved containers. Do not smoke while fueling a generator. Always operate a generator in a dry space. If it is raining, use a canopy or cover. SECO Energy’s Hurricane Handbook includes generator safety tips and how to prepare for before, during and after a storm.
Tropical Storm Nicole’s current location on November 9, 2022. Graphic courtesy of the National Hurricane Center.
“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see reliability and expansion projects in your area, visit our new System Improvement map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com > Your Co-op > About.
