Duke Energy has announced that it is preparing for Winter Storm Fern, which is expected to impact the Carolinas over the coming weekend. The company has mobilized more than 18,000 workers from 27 states and Canada to address potential power outages and storm damage.
Rick Canavan, Duke Energy storm director, stated: “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 also emphasized the risks posed by freezing rain: “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 to prepare for possible extended outages: “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.”
Meteorologists are monitoring Fern as it approaches from the west. Snow, sleet or freezing rain could begin as early as Saturday. Ice accumulation remains a significant concern; even a quarter inch of ice can cause tree limbs to fall onto power lines, while a half inch or more may bring down lines entirely.
To reduce outage risks before the storm arrives, Duke Energy’s tree and vegetation crews are conducting targeted trimming operations. Restoration teams—including lineworkers, vegetation specialists, and support staff—will be stationed throughout North Carolina and South Carolina by Friday night.
Duke Energy provides electricity service to about 4.7 million customers in the Carolinas—approximately 3.8 million in North Carolina and nearly 860,000 in South Carolina.
The company’s preparations include monitoring weather updates with internal meteorologists; positioning crews, equipment, and materials in areas likely to be affected; establishing 22 basecamps across both states; deploying damage assessors when conditions permit; continuing targeted vegetation management; and coordinating with emergency management officials at state and local levels.
Customers are encouraged to review emergency plans by charging phones, gathering flashlights with extra batteries, and staying informed about developing weather conditions. Duke Energy recommends using the American Red Cross Emergency app—which is sponsored by the Duke Energy Foundation—for checklists, shelter maps, and weather alerts across multiple locations.
Customers can download or update the Duke Energy app through Apple Store or Google Play for account access or outage reporting. Outages can also be reported online or by texting OUT to 57801 or calling 800.POWERON (800.769.3766).
Safety remains a priority during restoration efforts. Residents should avoid downed power lines or debris after the storm passes. The company notes that recent grid improvements such as stronger poles, undergrounding of lines where possible, and self-healing technology may help limit some outages or speed recovery times.
Restoration work will begin once conditions allow safe access for crews. Some repairs may be delayed due to blocked roads or hazardous travel situations in rural or heavily wooded areas.
Further information is available through Duke Energy’s social media channels on X (@DukeEnergy), Facebook (facebook.com/DukeEnergy), its current outage map (duke-energy.com/OutageMap), and its storm tips page (duke-energy.com/StormTips).
Duke Energy is one of America’s largest energy holding companies with electric utilities serving approximately 8.6 million customers across six states including North Carolina and South Carolina.
