Winter Storm Fern has caused widespread power outages across the Carolinas, as ice and freezing rain continue to impact the region. Duke Energy reported that as of 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25, a total of 18,016 customers were without power—14,802 in North Carolina and 3,214 in South Carolina. The company had restored electricity to 24,864 customers by the same time.
Duke Energy serves approximately 4.7 million electric customers in the Carolinas, with about 3.8 million in North Carolina and nearly 860,000 in South Carolina.
Rick Canavan, Duke Energy storm director, said: “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 continued: “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 further: “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.”
The company emphasized that low temperatures could cause further outages even after precipitation ends due to ice accumulation on trees and power lines. Based on updated weather forecasts, Duke Energy expects outage numbers to increase steadily through Sunday evening and warned that some outages may last several days.
Duke Energy’s response involves over 18,000 personnel including lineworkers, vegetation specialists, damage assessors and support staff. Restoration efforts follow a staged approach prioritizing transmission lines and critical infrastructure before addressing smaller neighborhood outages. The utility uses self-healing technology to reroute power remotely around damaged equipment when possible.
In areas where hazardous road conditions prevent immediate repairs, crews will be deployed once it is safe to do so. Additional out-of-state workers are available if needed.
Customers are advised to stay away from downed or sagging power lines and use generators according to manufacturer instructions for safety reasons. Residents with electricity are encouraged to conserve energy during this period of colder-than-normal temperatures by adjusting thermostats lower when possible, ensuring air filters are clean for efficient heating system operation, making use of sunlight during the day for natural warmth by opening blinds or curtains—and closing them at night—and operating ceiling fans clockwise for better heat distribution.
Drivers are reminded that “move over” laws require slowing down or moving aside for emergency vehicles with flashing lights in both North Carolina and South Carolina.
For real-time updates on outages by county visit duke-energy.com/OutageMap; tips for storm preparedness are available at duke-energy.com/StormTips.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) is headquartered in Charlotte and operates electric utilities serving customers across six states while also providing natural gas service in five states.
More information about Duke Energy’s operations can be found at duke-energy.com or through their social media channels including X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
