Duke Energy has mobilized over 18,000 workers from 27 states and Canada in preparation for Winter Storm Fern, which is expected to impact North Carolina and South Carolina this weekend. The company is urging customers to finalize their storm preparedness plans as forecasts predict hazardous conditions and possible power outages that could last several days.
Rick Canavan, Duke Energy’s storm director, said: “Forecast models continue to change and both the type and amount of precipitation can vary as the storm approaches.” He added: “We are making final preparations so our 18,000 employees have everything they need to assess damage, remove fallen trees, and restore power as soon as conditions are safe.” Canavan also warned about the risks posed by freezing rain: “Freezing rain will be our enemy in the coming days. This rain turns into ice that accumulates on tree branches until they break under the weight, fall onto power lines and poles, and break them. Freezing rain and ice will also make it extremely difficult for our crews to travel on roads, which will slow down restoration efforts.” He advised customers: “Winter storms like this can cause serious problems. I strongly encourage customers to prepare with their families for power outages that could last until next week, and make sure their neighbors are prepared too.”
Meteorologists are monitoring the progress of Storm Fern approaching from the west. Snow, sleet or freezing rain could begin Saturday, with ice accumulation being the biggest risk for prolonged outages. Even a quarter-inch of ice can bring down branches onto power lines; half an inch or more can break the lines themselves.
Tree trimming crews are finishing selective pruning today to reduce outage risks before the storm arrives. More than 18,000 restoration workers will be positioned across North Carolina and South Carolina by Friday night. These include Duke Energy line workers (both company-employed and contractors), vegetation specialists, and storm support personnel from across 27 U.S. states and Canada.
Duke Energy serves about 4.7 million electricity customers in North Carolina (3.8 million) and South Carolina (nearly 860,000).
To prepare for potential impacts from Winter Storm Fern, Duke Energy is:
– Monitoring updates from internal meteorologists.
– Pre-positioning crews, equipment, and materials where severe weather is most likely.
– Setting up 22 base camps in both Carolinas for out-of-state crews to stage trucks, gather supplies, eat meals, and rest at nearby hotels.
– Preparing to deploy damage assessors and repair crews once travel conditions allow.
– Conducting targeted tree trimming to limit potential damage.
– Coordinating closely with state and local emergency management officials.
Customers are encouraged to review emergency supply plans—charge phones, gather flashlights with extra batteries—and use resources such as the American Red Cross emergency app (sponsored by Duke Energy Foundation), which offers checklists and shelter maps. Customers should also download or update the Duke Energy app via Apple Store or Google Play; confirm account information online or through the mobile app; sign up for outage alerts via text message or email; know how to report outages online or by texting OUT to 57801 or calling 800.POWERON (800.769.3766).
Safety remains a priority: people should avoid downed power lines or debris caused by storms; generators must be used safely following manufacturer instructions.
Duke Energy highlights recent network improvements—including stronger poles, underground cables in select areas, and self-healing technology—that aim to reduce outages’ frequency/duration but cautions that extended outages remain possible due to icy road conditions especially in rural or heavily wooded areas.
Restoration work will start when conditions permit; critical facilities will be prioritized for service restoration.
Duke Energy is one of America’s largest electric holding companies headquartered in Charlotte with about 8.6 million electricity customers across six states—North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky—and owns a total generation capacity of approximately 55 gigawatts. The company is investing heavily in grid upgrades as well as cleaner energy sources including natural gas, nuclear, renewables, battery storage while maintaining reliability.
More information can be found at duke-energy.com.
