TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The City of Tallahassee is hoping to get 90 percent of power restored by the end of the weekend.
Tallahassee mayor Andrew Gillum posted a recovery update on Twitter Friday:
#MichaelTLH Update: pic.twitter.com/NM7TeblXJ2
— Office of the Mayor (@MayorOfTLH) October 12, 2018
Friday marked day two of restoration efforts. Thanks to more than 800 restoration personnel, the city says progress is being made.
2nd full day of restoration efforts underway. Progress is being made. More than 800 restoration personnel are actively working; crews are assigned to every substation in the community. Goal is 90% restoration by the end of the weekend. #LetsDoThis #TallahasseeProud #MichaelTLH pic.twitter.com/YIqaUffpmc
— City of Tallahassee (@COTNews) October 12, 2018
As part of their progress, the Lincoln Neighborhood Center on Brevard Street reopened as a comfort station at 10 a.m. to offer a place to cool off and relax until 9 p.m.
Another milestone in recovery - the Lincoln Neighborhood Center on Brevard Street can reopen! It will operate as a comfort station starting at 10 a.m., offering a place to cool off and have family fun until 9 p.m. #MichaelTLH pic.twitter.com/cV32yGClkd
— City of Tallahassee (@COTNews) October 12, 2018
Another comfort station has also been opened at the Trousdell Aquatics & Gymnastics Center at 298 John Knox Road.
To assist citizens impacted by Hurricane Michael, the City has opened a comfort station at the Trousdell Aquatics & Gymnastics Center, located at 298 John Knox Rd. The comfort station will be open today from 9a-9p. Swimming and showers will be available at the Aquatics Center.
— City of Tallahassee (@COTNews) October 12, 2018
Showers are also available at the Robinson Trueblood Pool at 1115 Dade Street.
On Monday, City of Tallahassee administrative offices will reopen. We'll be monitoring the city's progress as they work to restore power, clear trees, and reopen roads. You can view the latest outage numbers from the City of Tallahassee here.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The City of Tallahassee reports more than 220 tree crew professionals are out working in the community to help clean up roads.
More than 220 tree crew professionals are currently working throughout the community. This includes City teams as well as mutual aid partners. #MichaelTLH pic.twitter.com/ULHyBCe4MK
— City of Tallahassee (@COTNews) October 11, 2018
They say road clearing was the main objective Thursday to create clear paths for the community. Wednesday night, officials reported that at least 200 roads were blocked by downed trees and power lines.
Today’s primary objective is to clear roads & create safe passage for electric crews to begin rebuilding portions of the damaged transmission & distribution systems & substations. Simultaneously, repairs to other portions of transmission lines, substations & circuits are underway
— City of Tallahassee (@COTNews) October 11, 2018
Reports show that thousands of trees were down, which caused widespread damage. The city says the damage to their infrastructure "is the most widespread and severe we're ever experienced."
The damage to our infrastructure is the most widespread and severe we’ve ever experienced. One of our area’s most coveted assets, our lush urban forest, was also our greatest vulnerability. Thousands of trees gave way to the tropical storm force winds. Crews are out to clear them pic.twitter.com/6TAt9n5fGZ
— City of Tallahassee (@COTNews) October 11, 2018
#MichaelTLH 8:30 AM Update pic.twitter.com/dzRefXBL1V
— Office of the Mayor (@MayorOfTLH) October 11, 2018
[LIST: Blocked roads in Tallahassee, other Big Bend areas]
The city reports that they've gotten enough help from mutual aid partners to put an electric crew on each circuit in their system. They are encouraging citizens to stay off the roads while crews work.
Tree crews continue their work to clear roads and make way for electric crews to begin rebuilding damaged infrastructure & restore power to residents. #MichaelTLH pic.twitter.com/XnG1oWtoJM
— City of Tallahassee (@COTNews) October 11, 2018
Overnight, crews worked to clear paths to both the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and Capital Regional Hospital. Both hospitals are now in service.
If you're clearing debris from your own home, officials ask that you be careful and wear protective clothing.
Today, neighbors around #Tallahassee will begin the process of recovery following #HurricaneMichael. Be careful during clean-up. Wear protective clothing and work with someone else. If your home is fine, check on your neighbors. #MichaelTLH
— City of Tallahassee (@COTNews) October 11, 2018
We'll be monitoring the city's progress as they work to restore power, clear trees, and reopen roads. You can view the latest outage numbers from the City of Tallahassee here.