Duke Energy has mobilized more than 18,000 workers from 27 states and Canada to prepare for Winter Storm Fern, which is forecasted to impact the Carolinas this weekend. The company’s crews and support teams are completing preparations as meteorologists warn of dangerous travel conditions and possible power outages that could last several days in the hardest-hit areas.
Rick Canavan, Duke Energy storm director, said: “Forecast models continue to shift, and both precipitation type and amounts may change as the storm approaches.” He added: “We’re making our final preparations to ensure our 18,000 crew members have everything they need to assess damage, clear trees and restore power as soon as conditions are safe.”
Canavan noted that freezing rain is a major concern: “Freezing rain is going to be our enemy over the days ahead. It will build up on tree branches until the weight causes them to break – bringing down power lines and poles. The freezing rain and ice will also make roads extremely difficult for our crews to navigate, slowing power restoration efforts.” He urged customers: “Winter storms like this can create serious challenges. I urge customers to ready themselves and their families for outages that could extend into next week – and check in on neighbors to make sure they’re prepared, too.”
According to Duke Energy meteorologists, snow, sleet or freezing rain could begin as early as Saturday. Ice accumulation poses the greatest risk for extended outages; even a quarter inch of ice can bring down tree limbs onto power lines while half an inch or more can pull down the lines themselves.
Tree trimming crews are working today in targeted areas in an effort to reduce outage risks before the storm arrives. By Friday night, more than 18,000 restoration workers—including lineworkers from Duke Energy and contractors along with vegetation specialists—will be positioned across North Carolina and South Carolina.
Duke Energy serves about 4.7 million electric customers in these two states—approximately 3.8 million in North Carolina and nearly 860,000 in South Carolina.
The company’s preparations include tracking weather updates through internal meteorologists; positioning crews, equipment and materials where severe weather is expected; setting up 22 basecamps across the Carolinas for out-of-state crews; preparing damage assessors; coordinating with emergency management officials; and continuing targeted tree trimming.
Customers are encouraged to review emergency plans by charging phones, gathering flashlights with extra batteries, downloading or updating the Duke Energy app (available via Apple Store or Google Play), confirming account login details through My Account or mobile app, signing up for outage alerts by text/phone/email, using the American Red Cross Emergency app (sponsored by Duke Energy Foundation), reporting outages online or by phone/texting OUT to 57801/calling 800.POWERON (800.769.3766).
Safety reminders include staying away from downed power lines/storm debris and using generators according to manufacturer instructions. While grid improvements such as stronger poles and self-healing technology help reduce some outages’ duration/frequency, extended outages remain possible due to freezing rain creating hazardous road conditions—especially in rural/heavily treed areas.
Restoration efforts will begin once it is safe for crews to work; priority will be given first to critical facilities before moving on to other affected areas. In some locations restoration may be delayed due to blocked roads or hidden damage.
For current outage information visit duke-energy.com/OutageMap . For storm tips see duke-energy.com/StormTips .
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., serving electric utility customers across six states with a total energy capacity of over 55 gigawatts while also providing natural gas service in five states.
