Duke Energy Prepares Customers for Upcoming Winter Storm Across the Carolinas

Duke Energy Issues Warning for Upcoming Winter Storm

Duke Energy, the leading energy provider in the Carolinas, is taking measures to prepare for a significant winter storm expected to sweep through the region this weekend. With forecasts predicting heavy snowfall and high winds, the utility company is urging its customers to take proactive steps to ensure their safety and readiness as temperatures plummet further into the cold.

Anticipated Conditions

The winter storm poses a notable risk to the power infrastructure, particularly in regions where trees were weakened during a recent ice storm. Strong winds combined with heavy snowfall can lead to whiteout conditions, severely reducing visibility and making travel extremely dangerous. This combination of factors not only increases the likelihood of vehicular accidents but could also impede Duke Energy’s work to restore power during outages.

In circumstances where wind speeds exceed 30 mph, Duke Energy crews cannot operate in elevated bucket trucks, which will likely lead to delays in power restoration efforts. Rick Canavan, storm director at Duke Energy, emphasized the seriousness of the situation: "We're closely monitoring the storm and will dispatch our crews as soon as it is safe to do so." He also noted that although dry, powdery snow is less harmful to power equipment, strong wind gusts still have the potential to bring down trees and cause outages.

Important Precautions for Customers

In light of the forecasted conditions, Duke Energy advises customers to take several precautions ahead of the storm:

1. Develop an Emergency Plan: Prepare an emergency kit that includes necessities such as flashlights, batteries, and charged phones to stay connected.
2. Utilize the Duke Energy App: Ensure you have the latest version of the Duke Energy app installed, available for download on the Apple Store and Google Play.
3. Update Account Information: Log in to your Duke Energy account or mobile app to confirm and update your contact information to receive timely notifications about outages and restoration efforts.
4. Enroll in Outage Alerts: Sign up to receive outage updates via text, phone, or email.
5. Report Outages Effectively: Familiarize yourself with the various methods of reporting outages, including online submission, mobile app, texting 'OUT' to 57801, or calling 800.POWERON (800.769.3766).

What to Expect During the Storm

As the storm progresses, safety remains paramount. Customers are urged to steer clear of downed power lines and any storm debris. Additionally, it is crucial to operate generators safely, as improper use can lead to more hazards.

In order to improve restoration timelines, Duke Energy has been actively upgrading their electrical grid, installing modern technology that can reroute power effectively and reduce outages. However, customers should note that severe weather can still result in extended outages, even with these enhancements. Restoration efforts can take time; Duke Energy crews will begin their work only when it is safe to do so. Challenges such as blocked roads, obscured damage, or treacherous conditions can further delay the restoration process.

Continuous Monitoring and Updates

Duke Energy has committed to keeping the public informed regarding conditions and any necessary updates related to the winter storm. For further information, customers can follow their social media pages or visit their website for comprehensive guidelines to stay prepared during the storm.

In conclusion, proactive communication, emergency planning, and adherence to safety protocols are paramount to navigating the severe weather ahead. Duke Energy stands ready to support its customers during this challenging situation.

For more information and tips on storm preparedness, visit Duke Energy’s official channels and stay safe this winter.