Dominion Energy, Mercy Chefs head to Florida as Hurricane Milton makes landfall

PORTSMOUTH, Va.(WAVY) — Dominion Energy crews and the Mercy Chefs team are hoping for the best but preparing for the worst, again racing to help during a time of need.

“Milton is an absolute evil storm, it’s going to come ashore [and] it’s going to break records,” Mercy Chefs Founder Gary LeBlanc said.

As Florida braves Hurricane Milton, those across Hampton Roads are already putting their plans to help in motion.

“Preparation is key to navigating any storm and any national disaster, the other part of that is teamwork,” Dominion Energy Spokesperson Cherise Newsome said.

Dominion Energy and Portsmouth-based Mercy Chefs both have crews on the way.

“Dominion Energy sent about 100 line workers down to the Florida area to help in what’s expected to be a major hit by Hurricane Milton,” Newsome said. “We also sent about 240 contractors and about 60 crews that work on the trees to help with debris and cutting limbs that might get tangled from the storm.”

“As soon as it’s safe our team is gonna move in with all the equipment that we need to get set up and serve meals to folks that are going to be going through a very difficult time,” LeBlanc said.

It’s work they’ve been doing across the Carolinas as that region, much like Florida, is still recovering from Helene.

“We always talk about being that little nonprofit from Portsmouth that goes around the entire world, and we can only do that with the support of our friends and family in Hampton Roads,” LeBlanc said.

And they’re now lending a helping hand to those in Florida and beyond.

To learn more about Dominion Energy’s Hurricane Preparedness click here. To find out more about Mercy Chefs and ways to donate or volunteer, click here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.