Winter Storm Fern has caused significant disruptions across the Carolinas, leading to widespread power outages as freezing rain and sleet bring down trees, limbs, and power lines. Duke Energy reported that as of 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, a total of 18,016 customers in North Carolina and South Carolina were without electricity. The company had restored service to 24,864 customers by that time.
The ongoing storm continues to create hazardous conditions. Ice accumulation is expected to cause additional outages even after precipitation ends because ice-laden tree branches and power lines remain at risk of falling over the coming days.
Duke Energy serves approximately 4.7 million electric customers in the Carolinas—about 3.8 million in North Carolina and nearly 860,000 in South Carolina. The company has deployed more than 18,000 lineworkers, vegetation specialists, damage assessors, and support staff to address the outages.
Rick Canavan, Duke Energy’s storm director, stated: “Winter Storm Fern is still creating dangerous conditions across the Carolinas, and we expect outage numbers to rise as ice keeps bringing down trees and power lines.” He added: “Ice damage can continue long after the storm itself passes. Even as skies clear, ice can make falling tree branches 30 times heavier and much more likely to break power lines and poles.” Canavan also said: “We have crews positioned across the region – some are already restoring power, while others remain ready to move in as soon as conditions allow.” He noted: “Once it’s safe, many of our workers will assess damage and restore power in tandem – not in sequence – so customers will see additional progress as soon as crews can reach areas safely.”
Duke Energy is using self-healing technology to reroute power around damaged equipment remotely. In areas where roads are too dangerous for travel, teams will be deployed when it is safe to do so.
The company advises residents to stay away from downed or sagging power lines and use generators according to manufacturer instructions. Restoration efforts prioritize emergency facilities and critical infrastructure first before moving on to smaller neighborhood lines.
Duke Energy also recommends energy-saving measures for those with electricity during the cold spell. Customers are encouraged to set thermostats lower when possible, check air filters for cleanliness, use natural sunlight for warmth during the day by opening blinds or curtains, close them at night to retain heat, and operate ceiling fans clockwise in winter for better comfort.
For up-to-date information on outages by county or safety tips during storms, customers can visit Duke Energy’s outage map at duke-energy.com/OutageMap or find advice at duke-energy.com/StormTips.
Duke Energy remains prepared with helicopters, drones, tracked vehicles, and trucks equipped with chained tires for repair work under difficult conditions. If necessary, out-of-state crews are on standby to assist beginning Tuesday.
The absence of utility trucks in neighborhoods does not indicate inactivity; workers may be repairing larger transmission systems upstream before local lines can be re-energized.
More information about Duke Energy’s operations is available at duke-energy.com or through its social media channels.
