CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy
meteorologists today modeled the latest forecast for an approaching
winter storm and project the heavy wet snow, sleet and freezing
rain will result in approximately 500,000 power outages or more for
homes and businesses in the Carolinas.
"There remains a lot of uncertainty with this storm," said
longtime Duke Energy chief meteorologist Nick Keener. "A slight change in the storm's
track or in the temperature could result in fewer or even more
outages, so everyone needs to be prepared."
More than six inches of snow or a quarter of an inch of ice
accumulation will cause branches to sag and trees to fall, bringing
power lines down with them. Additionally, hazardous road conditions
can result in vehicle accidents which further increase the risk for
power outages as cars hit power poles and other electrical
infrastructure.
The company typically requires 12-24 hours to fully assess
damage from a significant weather event, even while simultaneously
restoring power. Winter storms can present additional challenges to
moving personnel and equipment to hard hit areas.
Widespread power outages expected
Based on the current forecast, widespread, multiple-day power
outages are expected for the Mountains, Foothills, Piedmont, Triad and Triangle areas of
North Carolina and portions of
Upstate South Carolina and customers should be prepared.
Duke Energy has more than 8,700 line and tree workers, damage
assessors and support personnel ready to respond. However, weather
and travel conditions may be hazardous and challenging, and could
delay damage assessment and restoration.
Safety reminders
With temperatures below freezing, customers should make a plan
to move family members – especially those with special needs – to a
safe, alternative location in case an extended power outage occurs.
We urge everyone to be prepared and stay safe – and encourage other
family members, friends and neighbors to do the same.
- If you plan to use a generator due to a power outage, follow
the manufacturer's instructions to ensure safe and proper
operation. Operate your generator outside. Never operate it inside
a building or garage.
- Don't use grills or other outdoor appliances or equipment
indoors for space heating or cooking, as these devices may omit
carbon monoxide.
- Check and restock your emergency kits with flashlights,
batteries, bottled water, non-perishable foods, medicines, etc.
Also, ensure a portable, battery-operated radio, TV or NOAA radio
is on hand.
- Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging.
Consider all lines energized as well as trees or limbs in contact
with lines. Please report downed power lines to Duke Energy.
- If a power line falls across a car that you're in, stay in the
car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other
immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of
the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is
touching the car when your feet touch the ground.
- If you are driving and encounter emergency responders or other
roadside work crews, remember to MOVE OVER, it's the law in
North Carolina and South Carolina, and a good practice for all
drivers.
Reporting outages
Customers who experience an outage during the storm have
multiple ways on how to report it:
- Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may
apply)
- Call the automated outage-reporting system at 800.POWERON for
Duke Energy Carolinas customers and 800-419-6356 for Duke Energy
Progress customers.
- Report an outage or view current outages online at
www.dukeenergyupdates.com
Duke Energy also will provide updates on its social media
channels to keep customers informed if significant outages
occur:
- Duke Energy on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DukeEnergy
- Duke Energy on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DukeEnergy
About Duke Energy
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK)
is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S., with
approximately 29,000 employees and a generating capacity of 49,500
megawatts. The company is transforming its customers' experience,
modernizing its energy grid, generating cleaner energy and
expanding its natural gas infrastructure to create a smarter energy
future for the people and communities it serves.
The company's Electric Utilities and Infrastructure unit serves
approximately 7.6 million retail electric customers in six states –
North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio
and Kentucky. Its Gas Utilities
and Infrastructure unit distributes natural gas to approximately
1.6 million customers in five states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Its Commercial Renewables unit
operates a growing renewable energy portfolio across the U.S.
A Fortune 125 company, Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2018
"World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' 2018 "America's
Best Employers" list.
More information about the company is available
at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News
Center includes news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and
other materials. Duke Energy's illumination features
stories about people, innovations, community topics and
environmental issues.
Follow Duke Energy on
Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Contact: Corporate Communications
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
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SOURCE Duke Energy