TAMPA, Fla. — Widespread power outages are not only impacting households and businesses, they're also affecting traffic.
Officials have received reports of traffic lights being out across the state, and are encouraging drivers to follow state law when they come across these inoperable lights.
Polk County leaders issued a reminder to the public on Thursday, saying in part, "if a driver is on the road and arrives at a traffic signal that has no power, the signal should be treated as a four-way stop."
According to the Florida Department of Transportation, if a traffic light is flashing red, come to a complete stop an treat it as if it were a four-way stop sign, meaning the first to arrive at the light has the right-of-way. If two vehicles arrive at the light at the same time, the vehicle furthest right has the right-of-way.
If the lights are flashing yellow, proceed with caution and be prepared to yield to oncoming traffic. However, if an officer is present, follow their directions.
Inoperable lights should also be reported to FDOT through its customer service portal.
