Centerpoint crews head to Florida to help keep the power on

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Centerpoint Energy crews have departed for Florida and the Carolinas, where officials expect major power outages ahead of Hurricane Matthew's arrival.

These are the same people who experienced the challenge of restoring power to Houston after Hurricane Ike.

But, what many might not realize is that linemen, support crews and contractors from Florida, Georgia and South Carolina also came to town to help.

Now Centerpoint Energy is preparing to return the favor.

About 200 people in all are en route to the areas expected to be the hardest hit.

Hurricane Matthew is likely to be a Category 4 storm when it makes landfall on the East Coast, delivering powerful winds that can topple trees and power lines, leaving communities in total darkness.

Electric crews can expect non-stop work and up to 16-hour days as they work to get power on for those affected.

The crews from Houston say they'll stay together and move to sites as requested.