Duke Energy is preparing for the arrival of winter storm Fern in North Carolina and South Carolina this weekend. The company has mobilized more than 18,000 workers from 27 states and Canada to respond to potential power outages caused by hazardous weather conditions.
According to Rick Canavan, Duke Energy’s storm director: “The forecast models keep changing and both the type and amount of precipitation can vary as the storm approaches.” He added, “We are making final preparations so that 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 dangers 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, with the weight, they break off, 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 to prepare for possible long-term outages: “Winter storms like this can cause serious problems. I strongly recommend that customers prepare with their families for power outages that could last into next week and ensure their neighbors are also prepared.”
Meteorologists continue tracking Fern as it moves in from the west. Snow, sleet or freezing rain may begin Saturday; significant ice accumulation remains the biggest threat for extended outages. Even a quarter-inch of ice can bring down branches onto power lines; half an inch or more can snap the lines themselves.
Tree trimming crews are finishing targeted pruning today to help reduce outage risks before the storm hits. More than 18,000 restoration workers—including Duke Energy line technicians, contractors, vegetation specialists and support staff—will be stationed across North Carolina and South Carolina by Friday night.
Duke Energy serves approximately 4.7 million electricity customers in these two states: about 3.8 million in North Carolina and nearly 860,000 in South Carolina.
In advance of severe weather events like this one, Duke Energy monitors forecasts internally; positions crews, equipment and materials near areas expected to be hardest hit; establishes base camps where out-of-state teams can gather supplies before heading out; deploys damage assessors once travel is safe; continues targeted tree trimming; and coordinates closely with state and local emergency officials.
Customers are encouraged to review their emergency plans—charging phones ahead of time and gathering flashlights or extra batteries—and consult resources such as the American Red Cross emergency app (supported by Duke Energy Foundation) for checklists or shelter maps.
Duke Energy recommends downloading its mobile app via Apple Store or Google Play; confirming account information online or through its app; signing up for outage alerts via text message, phone call or email; knowing how to report outages (online reporting is available at duke-energy.com/OutageMap), texting OUT to 57801 or calling 800.POWERON (800-769-3766).
Safety reminders include staying away from downed wires or debris after storms occur—and using generators only according to manufacturer instructions.
Network improvements made by Duke Energy—such as stronger utility poles, underground cables where feasible and self-healing technology—are expected over time to reduce some outage risks while speeding up service restoration efforts. However, prolonged outages remain possible due to dangerous road conditions caused by ice accumulation especially in rural areas with dense vegetation.
Restoration work will begin once it is safe enough for crews on site who will prioritize critical facilities first then move quickly but safely through remaining affected neighborhoods. In some cases delays may result from blocked roads or hidden damages under debris.
Duke Energy operates as one of America’s largest electric holding companies with headquarters in Charlotte. It provides electricity services across six states—including Florida—and natural gas service across five states including Tennessee.
