Hurricane Helene Wipes Out Power Grid: Weeks Until Full Restoration in Pinellas

Destroyed homes and propertyPhoto byCity of Treasure Island, Facebook

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Duke Energy has announced that portions of the electric grid on the Pinellas County barrier islands will need to be rebuilt due to extensive damage. The utility company has been working tirelessly to restore power, but the severe damage caused by the storm has made the process more challenging.

According to a statement from Duke Energy, the destruction on the barrier islands is significantly worse than on the mainland. Crews are now assessing the full scope of the damage, which includes rebuilding sections of the electric infrastructure. The process is expected to take weeks rather than days, as various areas of the islands were hit differently. While some regions are already receiving power, others will remain without service until major repairs are completed.

To facilitate the restoration effort, Duke Energy is setting up a centralized command center in Madeira Beach. A specialized task team will oversee the rebuilding of the grid, replacing damaged equipment, and repairing what remains intact. The company is committed to providing residents with regular updates, including estimated restoration times, via text, email, and a dedicated webpage.

Duke Energy emphasized its commitment to helping the community recover alongside the residents who are also dealing with personal property damage. The company is working to return power to the islands as quickly as possible while maintaining safety standards.