News Summary
Jacksonville Electric Authority reported that over 12,500 customers experienced power outages due to severe weather conditions, primarily lightning. The San Jose area was most affected, with over 6,500 customers losing power. JEA has mobilized crews and made outage maps available for assistance, emphasizing the importance of reporting downed lines. Further preparation for Hurricane Helene is underway, with additional utility workers on standby to address the impacts of the storm. JEA is actively working to restore power to affected areas and maintain essential services during this crisis.
Jacksonville – Over 12,500 customers of the Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) experienced power outages on Wednesday afternoon due to severe weather, primarily lightning strikes. This figure represents approximately 2.3% of JEA’s total customer base of 540,200.
As storms intensified around 5 p.m., the San Jose area bore the brunt, with 6,502 customers affected. Crews were promptly dispatched to assess and remedy the situation. The outages also impacted more than 3,000 customers across the Eastside and Urban Core, including around 200 outages reported in the Bowden Road area and over 500 in the Arlington and Alderman Park area. The outages extended eastward, affecting customers near Atlantic Beach.
JEA made an outage map available to assist residents in locating their specific outages and reporting any issues. As Hurricane Helene advances, the authority has warned that strong winds could lead to additional power outages. In preparation, JEA has mobilized crews equipped to respond quickly to storm-related disruptions, with a significant focus on ensuring safety around downed power lines.
Reporting and Response Protocols
Residents are urged to report downed lines or trees by calling 904-630-CITY, with emergencies needing to be directed to 911. It is important for residents to be aware that JEA crews will not be able to utilize bucket trucks if winds exceed 30 mph, thus they are asking for patience during the storm recovery efforts.
Preparedness and Resources
JEA has more than 2,200 team members on standby, including additional out-of-state utility workers prepared to address the anticipated impacts of the storm. In the event of fallen trees causing disruptions to water and sewer lines, wastewater crews are also on standby to manage these essential services.
In a follow-up report, JEA indicated that there were over 16,180 customers affected by outages on Saturday, with restoration efforts resulting in power restoration for over 181,000 customers. Outside of Jacksonville, reports indicated that many areas throughout Georgia, including Columbia County, reported significant outages. Approximately 75.8% of customers in Columbia County were left without power, alongside about 57,340 customers across the state.
Continuous Restoration Efforts
As restoration efforts continue, JEA is also managing its water and sewer plants using portable equipment to maintain service during the storm impacts. Residents are reminded to report outages either online through JEA’s website or by phone, ensuring the continued efficiency of restoration measures.
In summary, Jacksonville residents are facing significant power outages due to the severe weather conditions brought by Hurricane Helene, with ongoing restoration efforts and a robust response system in place to address the widespread disruptions. JEA continues to prioritize safety while working to restore power to affected areas.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville.com: Real-Time Power Outages Map
- First Coast News: Power Outages in Jacksonville
- News4Jax: Power Outages Downtown
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- Google Search: Power Outages Jacksonville
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
