Central Florida crews help Panhandle after devastating storm

Crews from all over Florida headed toward the Florida Panhandle to help with recovery efforts after Hurricane Michael pummeled the region.

The Category 4 storm was poised to be catastrophic and bring a powerful storm surge the area has never before seen.

Responders from Central Florida are prepared.

Forty firefighters from seven Central Florida fire departments deployed to the affected region Wednesday evening.

Trucks carrying Orlando Utilities Commission employees are in Tallahassee to help restore outages.

Twenty employees, including damage assessors and line crews, and 17 trucks have been deployed.

Gov. Rick Scott said he wanted everyone prepared for the worst.

"Let me be clear. Hurricane Michael is a monstrous storm and the forecast keeps getting more dangerous,” he said.

Duke Energy estimates the storm could cause between 100,000 and 200,000 power outages across the Panhandle.

Its crews will begin repairs as soon as weather conditions allow.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers are ready to respond with its quick response force team.

More than 30 troopers from Orlando were sent to the Panhandle.

Meanwhile, volunteers at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida spent Wednesday assembling disaster relief packs to be sent to the Panhandle.

Cox Media Group