The Storm-Preparedness Tool That Predicts Power Outages

Florida’s two nuclear plants shut down in anticipation of a pounding from Hurricane Irma, though their owners say there’s no danger of reactor damage. There were numerous energy interruptions as the storm barreled over the Southeast. (Millions of residents were without power as of Monday morning.) Before the storm hit, researchers wanted to know: how many people might be left sitting in the dark?

Rushing in with a prediction is this “Hurricane Irma Power Outage” forecast tool that showed, at latest check on Thursday evening, about 2.6 million customers potentially affected, many in cities like Miami and Tampa. That number could be underestimating the true energy drain from Irma, as the model only takes into account the hurricane’s present forecast and omits areas to the north, where it may still head.