FPL runs full-scale hurricane drills to prepare for next big storm

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (WINK)—Florida Power & Light is running full-scale hurricane drills this week, simulating real storms and practicing every step of the power restoration process before the next hurricane hits.

The 2025 hurricane season saw no direct hits to Florida, but FPL teams aren't waiting for the next storm to prepare. Inside their command centers, crews are stress-testing their systems with a simulated Category 2 hurricane called "Hurricane Aiden."

The command centers function as the central nervous system for the entire power grid. On large screens, teams monitor the simulated storm as it impacts the majority of FPL's service area.

"It is a storm that impacts the majority of the FPL service area," said Jack Ebel of FPL.

Each team has a specific role during the drill. The restoration team tracks outages and monitors the number of customers restored.

"Here in the drill, we're stress testing our system," Ebel said. "Our teams will be working throughout the day, working on those processes and those plans for this mock hurricane to then better respond when the next storm comes."

The air command center coordinates planes and drones, including a special unmanned aircraft that first took flight during Hurricane Ian.

"We're flying this aircraft every single day after the storms, and streaming live video and live conditions back into the command center downstairs," an air command center representative said.

The diagnostic center monitors sensors, alerts, and system checks across the entire network. If there's an outage on the transmission or distribution system, the diagnostic team helps identify the problem.

"We're talking about everything from just outside the power plant, which is power generation, all the way down to the customers' meters," a diagnostics representative said.

While forecasters predict a below-average hurricane season this year, FPL says every drill remains important. The company emphasizes that it's not a matter of if the next storm hits Florida, but when.