Duke Energy is preparing for the arrival of winter storm Fern, which is expected to bring hazardous conditions and power outages to North Carolina and South Carolina over the weekend. The company has mobilized more than 18,000 workers from 27 states and Canada to respond to potential damage and restore power as quickly as possible.
Rick Canavan, Duke Energy’s storm director, stated: “The modeled forecasts continue to change and both the type and amount of precipitation can vary as the storm approaches.” He added, “We are making final preparations so 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.”
Canavan advised customers: “Winter storms like this can cause serious problems. I strongly recommend customers prepare with their families for power outages that could last until next week, and make sure their neighbors are prepared too.”
Meteorologists are monitoring Fern’s progress from the west. Snow, sleet or freezing rain could begin Saturday. Ice accumulation poses a significant risk for extended outages; even a quarter-inch of ice can bring down branches onto power lines while half an inch or more can snap the lines themselves.
Duke Energy’s crews are completing targeted tree trimming today to reduce outage risks before the storm hits. Over 18,000 restoration workers—including lineworkers from Duke Energy and contractors, vegetation specialists, and support staff—will be positioned in North Carolina and South Carolina by Friday night.
Duke Energy serves about 4.7 million electricity customers in North Carolina (3.8 million) and South Carolina (almost 860,000). The company is tracking internal meteorological updates closely and positioning crews along with equipment in areas forecasted for severe weather. It has set up 22 base camps across both states where out-of-state crews can park vehicles, gather supplies, eat meals, and rest at nearby hotels.
Once travel conditions allow after the storm passes, Duke Energy plans to deploy damage assessors along with lineworkers and vegetation management teams. The company is coordinating closely with state and local emergency officials.
Customers are urged to review emergency plans—charging phones ahead of time, gathering flashlights with spare batteries—and use resources such as the American Red Cross emergency app sponsored by Duke Energy Foundation for checklists and shelter maps. Customers should download or update the Duke Energy app via Apple Store or Google Play; confirm account login details; sign up for outage alerts; and know how to report outages online or by texting OUT to 57801 or calling 800.POWERON (800-769-3766).
Safety remains a priority: residents should avoid downed wires or debris caused by the storm and use generators according to manufacturer instructions.
Duke Energy notes that recent grid improvements—including stronger poles, undergrounding of lines in some areas, and self-healing technology—are expected to help reduce outages or speed restoration but prolonged disruptions remain possible due to icy road conditions especially in rural or heavily wooded regions.
Restoration efforts will begin when it is safe for crews; critical facilities will receive priority during repairs but blocked roads or hidden damage may delay work in some locations.
For updates on current outages visit duke-energy.com/OutageMap.
For tips on preparing for storms visit duke-energy.com/StormTips.
Further information about Duke Energy’s operations can be found at duke-energy.com.
