03:50 AM EDT, 10/07/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Duke Energy ( DUK ) warned Sunday of possible power outages and equipment damage for its Florida service area ahead of Tropical Storm Milton.

Meteorologists and the National Hurricane Center expect the storm to turn into a major hurricane, potentially generating "extremely hazardous weather conditions" in parts of Florida, the company said.

"The impact of a major hurricane to our infrastructure could result in widespread equipment damage causing extended outage durations for our customers," the company said. "Strong winds and storm surge could also damage homes and businesses making structures unsafe to re-energize."