Duke Energy has mobilized more than 18,000 workers from 27 states and Canada to prepare for the arrival of Winter Storm Fern in the Carolinas this weekend. The company is warning customers to finalize their storm plans as forecasts indicate that hazardous travel conditions and prolonged power outages are likely in areas most affected by the storm.
Rick Canavan, Duke Energy’s 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 emphasized the threat 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 also urged residents: “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 tracking Winter Storm Fern expect snow, sleet or freezing rain could begin as early as Saturday. Ice accumulation remains a primary concern because even a quarter inch of ice can bring down trees onto power lines; half an inch or more may cause the lines themselves to collapse.
To reduce outage risks before the storm arrives, tree and vegetation crews are finishing targeted trimming work. More than 18,000 restoration workers—including Duke Energy staff, contracted lineworkers, vegetation specialists, and support personnel—will be positioned across North Carolina and South Carolina by Friday night.
Duke Energy provides electricity for about 4.7 million customers in these two states—approximately 3.8 million in North Carolina and nearly 860,000 in South Carolina.
The company’s preparation includes tracking updates from internal meteorologists; positioning crews and materials where severe weather is expected; setting up 22 basecamps across the Carolinas for out-of-state crews; deploying damage assessors once it is safe; continuing targeted tree trimming; and coordinating with emergency management officials at state and local levels.
Customers are encouraged to review emergency plans—charging phones, gathering flashlights with extra batteries—and use resources such as the American Red Cross Emergency app (sponsored by Duke Energy Foundation) which offers checklists and shelter maps. Customers should also update or download the Duke Energy app via Apple Store or Google Play; confirm account login details; sign up for outage alerts through text, phone or email; and know how to report outages online or by calling 800.POWERON (800.769.3766).
Residents are reminded of safety hazards including downed power lines and debris after storms. Generator use should follow manufacturer instructions. Recent grid improvements such as stronger poles, undergrounding cables, and self-healing technology may help minimize some outages but extended interruptions remain possible due to challenging road conditions caused by ice.
Power restoration will start when conditions allow with priority given first to critical facilities. In some cases repairs may be delayed due to blocked roads or hazardous travel.
Further information about current outages can be found at duke-energy.com/OutageMap while tips on storm preparation are available at duke-energy.com/StormTips.
Duke Energy is one of America’s largest energy holding companies serving electric utility customers across six states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky with a total energy capacity of over 55 gigawatts.
