Electric companies: 28,000 without power

TAMPA - TECO is reporting they have 8,500 customers without power as of 3:00 p.m. on Monday, while Progress Energy says 20,000 are without.

Tampa Electric said crews have restored power to thousands of customers affected by Debby since the peak of 20,000 outages on Sunday night.

Progress Energy Florida reports their crews continue to battle, and that power has been restored to more than 175,000 customers since the first round of storms battered PEF's service territory on Sunday.

With Tropical Storm Debby forecast to remain in the area, more outages can be expected.

To stay in touch while the electricity is spotty, just watch ABC Action News NOW on your mobile device.  Find and download the ABC Action News app at http://wfts.tv/kPlQ7r .

Tampa Electric reminds its customers to stay safe during and after the storm:

• Stay out of floodwaters, as they can hide energized power lines or put you at risk of drowning.
• Remember to also keep away from downed power lines and urge others to be extremely cautious.
• If you lose power, remember to use portable generators safely. DO NOT connect your portable generator into your home's circuits. Plug your appliances directly into the generator. Connecting your generator to the circuits may cause power to flow to outside lines, posing life-threatening danger to restoration crews.
• Portable generators must not be used inside residences or any enclosed space (like a garage) where deadly carbon monoxide gases could build up.