( KLFY ) — Local utility repair crews are on the way to Florida to be on hand to help restore power in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Helene is expected to make landfall Thursday in the Florida panhandle as at least a Category 3 storm.

SLEMCO line workers left early this morning bound for the “Big Bend” of Florida to assist Talquin Electric Cooperative in their power restoration efforts. Hurricane Helene is currently forecasted to strike Talquin’s service area as a direct hit.

SLEMCO’s team includes 35 line workers with varying skill sets, including overhead and underground line construction and tree-trimming. Bucket trucks, digger-derricks, material handlers, off-road equipment, pole trailers and utility trailers were sent to help.

Cleco crews are traveling to Pensacola, Florida. Five Cleco line crews, which consist of approximately 40 line mechanics, will assist Florida Power & Light (FPL) with restoration efforts. The line crews are from across Cleco’s service territory including Pineville, Rosepine, New Iberia, Bunkie, Opelousas and Covington.

The line crews are joined by three project coordinators, distribution operations leadership, a safety professional and a fleet mechanic, according to Andre Guillory, chief customer officer for Cleco Power.

“It brings us great pride to be able to support Florida and the team at Florida Power & Light,” Guillory said. “Cleco understands the challenges a hurricane can bring and we’re eager to assist a fellow power company.”

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Depending on Helene’s impact, Cleco crews expect to be in Florida anywhere from a few days to a few weeks until restoration is complete, said Clint Robichaux, director of distribution operations and reliability at Cleco Power.

“When Louisiana experiences a hurricane, our neighboring states are always there to help us with restoration efforts,” Robichaux said. “We’ve assisted our fellow utilities in the past, like Georgia Power in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. And we’re grateful that we’re able to serve again, this time in Florida.”

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