Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Hurricane Ian: Work Vehicles Respond

Twitter users provide an up-close perspective to utility fleets’ preparations for cleanup, vocational fleets on the ready to respond, and organizations incurring damage to their own vehicles and property.

Chris Brown
Chris BrownAssociate Publisher
Read Chris's Posts
September 29, 2022
Hurricane Ian: Work Vehicles Respond

During natural disasters, drivers of work trucks and fleet vehicles must complete their duties while trying to protect their property and stay safe themselves.

Photo: Canva

3 min to read


As Hurricane Ian leaves parts of Florida devastated in its wake and continues to pummel the East Coast of the U.S., utilities, government agencies, trucking fleets, and other commercial entities are responding.

Ad Loading...

Twitter users have been providing an up-close perspective on how those entities are deploying work vehicles to protect people and property and take an active role in the cleanup.

Ad Loading...

Before the storm hit, utilities from states as far away as New York sent convoys to Florida to be ready to restore power as needed. Many tweets showed videos from the highway of trucks on the move.

Just saw a convoy of out of town utility trucks going down 75, presumably on their way to Florida in preparation for #HurricaneIan. ⛈ pic.twitter.com/vYlhIOaPNa

— BirdingPeepWx (@BirdingPeepWx) September 26, 2022

This Twitter user reported a traffic jam of trucks outside of Chattanooga, Tenn.

Saw thousands of Line Workers and utility trucks headed down to Tampa Bay as we evacuated the other way. Thanks (in advance) to all these folks. #HurricaneIanpic.twitter.com/hp2Q9cdUAa

— tgirl trying not to be sarcastic (@tranewman) September 27, 2022

This user saw at least 100 trucks on I-95 on Tuesday.

Ad Loading...

Saw thousands of Line Workers and utility trucks headed down to Tampa Bay as we evacuated the other way. Thanks (in advance) to all these folks. #HurricaneIanpic.twitter.com/hp2Q9cdUAa

— tgirl trying not to be sarcastic (@tranewman) September 27, 2022

At one point, power restoration efforts were suspended as conditions were too dangerous to work. The Kissimmee Utility suspended operations at 5:29 on Wednesday.

We have suspended power restoration efforts because storm winds are too strong for our crews to work safely in our bucket trucks. Power will remain off in the affected areas until the winds subside and crews can safely respond.Crews will still respond to emergencies.#HurricaneIanpic.twitter.com/eKeJYZKiLk

— Kissimmee Utility (@KUAdirect) September 29, 2022

This user passed a series of tree trimming trucks on Tuesday headed to the Tampa area.

I passed several convoys of work trucks (bucket trucks, tree trimming trucks, etc.) headed north on I-75 towards Tampa presumably to start staging for the arrival of Hurricane Ian. #HiddenHeroespic.twitter.com/p7BRAjjdtP

— Michael E. Webber (@MichaelEWebber) September 27, 2022

Ad Loading...

These ranchers were grateful for their Ram Truck that helped them tend to cattle before the storm.

I passed several convoys of work trucks (bucket trucks, tree trimming trucks, etc.) headed north on I-75 towards Tampa presumably to start staging for the arrival of Hurricane Ian. #HiddenHeroespic.twitter.com/p7BRAjjdtP

— Michael E. Webber (@MichaelEWebber) September 27, 2022

In Punta Gorda on Florida’s western shore — one of the hardest hit areas — a semi-truck with trailer lays on its side, ostensibly blown over by Ian’s gale force winds.

Semi truck blown over by #HurricaneIan in Punta Gorda. That’s the eye of Ian above, no clear sky eye, just a calm overcast right now. And a guy casually walking his dog pic.twitter.com/ENTkdlR01v

— Mike Killian (@KillianPhoto) September 28, 2022

AT&T reported that it had hundreds of trucks and equipment ready to deploy.

Ad Loading...

The @ATT fleet consists of hundreds of network recovery support trailers and equipment, readied for rapid deployment. #HurricaneIanhttps://about.att.com/pages/disaster-recovery/network-recoverypic.twitter.com/DCW3WHqloV

— AT&T News (@ATTNEWS) September 28, 2022

This fleet of septic trucks is ready assist.

Our fleet is standing by for hurricane-related emergencies. If you are experiencing an emergency (overflow, spill, backups) please call us at 1-888-529-7436 to immediately speak to one of our emergency service representatives.#HurricaneIan#PlumbingEmergencypic.twitter.com/sURve6bMLf

— SepticExperts (@SepticTweets) September 28, 2022

Finally, fire fighters in Naples — and likely countless other first responder units — will have another massive job to clean up their own trucks and equipment.

Praying for all the first responders out there in Florida. This video is unbelievable. Fire trucks under water. 🙏 #Hurricane#IAN#FLOOD 🌀 #Category4#HurricaneIanpic.twitter.com/raqdANRdsR

— GRG | Sentinel 🇺🇸 (@GRGSentinel) September 29, 2022

More Operations

A toll road with blue text a top
Operations•by News/Media Release•September 29, 2026

U.S. Bank Adds Verra Mobility Toll Management to Voyager Fleet Platform

The integration allows U.S. Bank Voyager fleet customers to manage toll payments and violations alongside fuel, EV charging and maintenance expenses.

Read More →
An AF news recap thumbnail with blue and white colors
Operations•by Faith Howell•September 28, 2026

ADAS Prevents Crashes. But Repairs Cost More | AF News Recap

ADAS-equipped vehicles may crash less often, but they can cost more when they do. This week, we’re breaking down what that tradeoff means for fleets, plus Subaru’s first Forester Wilderness Hybrid, Nissan’s new e-POWER Rogue, and why Calstart has become Catalyst Mobility.

Read More →
Moventum Fleet management leadership update with Mark Iorillo
Operations•by News/Media Release•September 18, 2026

Moventum Fleet Management Names Mark Iorillo Head of Sales

Iorillo brings nearly 20 years of fleet management and sales experience to the role, including previous positions at Element Fleet Management, CEI, Donlen and Ryder.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
AF news recap thumbnail
Operations•by Faith Howell•September 11, 2026

Fleet Has a Talent Pipeline Problem. What Comes Next? | AF News Recap

Where will fleet’s next generation of leaders come from? This week, we’re looking at the industry’s talent pipeline, what certification can add to a fleet career, how to build an award-worthy track record, and the return of Automotive Fleet’s Personal Use Survey.

Read More →
5Keys Engage
Operations•by Staff•September 9, 2026

Smith System Launches Driver Risk Management Program

Fleets have more driver data than ever, but identifying risky behavior doesn't necessarily correct it. Smith System's new Driver Risk Management program combines monitoring, training, and follow-up coaching to help fleets connect risk signals with driver intervention.

Read More →
Graphic promoting Automotive Fleet's 2026 Personal Use Survey with the text "Have a Personal Use Policy? We Want to Know!" encouraging fleet managers to complete the annual industry survey.
Operations•by Staff•September 8, 2026

Automotive Fleet Opens 2026 Personal Use Survey for Commercial Fleet Managers

Less than two weeks left! Commercial and corporate fleet managers are invited to share how their organizations handle company vehicle personal-use policies, charges, and driver eligibility.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Automotive Fleet news graphic featuring a woman pointing to the headline, “From AI Prompts to AI-Generated Safety Songs,” against a blue background.
Operations•by Faith Howell•September 4, 2026

From AI Prompts to AI-Generated Safety Songs | AF News Recap

Can better prompts make AI more useful for fleet managers? This week, we’re breaking down smarter fleet analysis, an AI-assisted experiment that turned safety training into music, and what happened to fuel prices in August.

Read More →
Interviewee photo and quote from her
Operations•by Chris Brown•September 1, 2026

How to Write Better AI Prompts for Fleet Analysis

Include these six elements in your fleet prompts to generate more relevant analysis and accurate answers.

Read More →
A Fleet Meets blue, red, and teal graphic with Eric Kilgore's headshot, title, and company.
Operations•by Faith Howell•August 21, 2026

Fleet Meets: Eric Kilgore

This edition of the Fleet Meets series features one of the industry's best leaders driving multi-market and national operations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
fleetio coast pay cost
Operations•August 13, 2026

Why Reactive Fleet Management Is Becoming Too Expensive to Sustain

Research highlights a growing need for proactive management strategies to address rising costs in fleet operations effectively.

Read More →