Duke Energy is preparing for the arrival of Winter Storm Fern in the Carolinas by mobilizing more than 18,000 workers from 27 states and Canada. The company expects that dangerous travel conditions and extended power outages may occur in areas most affected by the storm.
Rick Canavan, Duke Energy’s storm director, said: “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 noted the particular 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 outages lasting into next week and to check on neighbors.
Meteorologists are monitoring Fern’s approach from the west. Snow, sleet or freezing rain could begin as early as Saturday. Ice accumulation is expected to pose a significant risk; even a quarter inch of ice can bring down tree limbs onto power lines, while a half inch or more can cause lines themselves to fall.
Duke Energy has positioned restoration workers—including lineworkers, vegetation specialists, and support staff—across North Carolina and South Carolina. Tree trimming is being completed in targeted areas before the storm’s arrival.
The company serves about 4.7 million electric customers in the Carolinas—approximately 3.8 million in North Carolina and nearly 860,000 in South Carolina.
Preparations include tracking weather updates from internal meteorologists, positioning crews and materials where severe weather is expected, establishing 22 basecamps across the region for out-of-state crews, deploying assessors once conditions allow, coordinating with emergency management officials, and conducting targeted vegetation management.
Customers are advised to review emergency plans, charge phones, gather flashlights with extra batteries, use safety apps such as the American Red Cross Emergency app (which is sponsored by Duke Energy Foundation), update their Duke Energy account information via mobile app or online portal, sign up for outage alerts via text or email, and know how to report outages through various channels including texting OUT to 57801 or calling 800.POWERON (800.769.3766).
Safety reminders include staying away from downed power lines or debris and using generators according to manufacturer instructions. While grid improvements such as stronger poles and self-healing technology may reduce some outages or speed up restoration times, extended outages remain possible due to hazardous road conditions caused by ice.
Restoration work will start when it is safe for crews; priorities will include critical facilities first. In some cases repairs may be delayed because of blocked roads or hidden damage.
More information about current outages can be found at duke-energy.com/OutageMap , while storm preparation tips are available at duke-energy.com/StormTips . Updates are also posted on social media platforms including X (@DukeEnergy), Facebook , LinkedIn , Instagram , as well as on illumination .
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) is headquartered in Charlotte and serves millions of electric customers across several states including North Carolina and South Carolina. The company continues its investments in grid upgrades and cleaner energy sources like renewables.
