Duke Energy is preparing for the arrival of Winter Storm Fern in North Carolina and South Carolina this weekend. The company has assembled more than 18,000 workers from 27 states and Canada to respond to expected power outages.
Rick Canavan, Duke Energy’s storm director, said, “The forecast models keep changing and both the type and amount of precipitation may vary as the storm approaches.”
He added, “We are making final preparations so that our 18,000 employees have everything they need to assess damage, remove fallen trees, and restore power as soon as conditions are safe.”
Canavan noted concerns about ice accumulation: “Freezing rain will be our enemy in the coming days. This rain turns into ice that builds up on tree branches until their weight breaks them off onto power lines and poles, breaking them. Freezing rain and ice will also make it very difficult for our crews to travel on roads, which will slow down restoration efforts.”
He warned customers about potential long-term disruptions: “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 ensure their neighbors are prepared as well.”
Meteorologists continue monitoring Fern’s progress from the west. Snow, sleet or freezing rain could begin Saturday. Ice accumulation poses the highest risk for extended outages; even a quarter-inch can bring down tree limbs onto lines while half an inch or more may snap the lines themselves.
Duke Energy’s vegetation management teams are finishing targeted tree trimming today to reduce outage risks before the storm hits. More than 18,000 restoration workers—including line technicians from Duke Energy and contractors as well as support staff—will be stationed across North Carolina and South Carolina by Friday night.
The company serves approximately 4.7 million electricity customers in those two states—3.8 million in North Carolina and nearly 860,000 in South Carolina.
Duke Energy’s preparation steps include tracking updates from meteorologists; positioning crews, equipment, and materials near likely impact zones; setting up 22 base camps where out-of-state crews park vehicles, pick up supplies and rest between shifts; deploying damage assessors once travel is safe; targeted vegetation clearing; and close coordination with state and local emergency officials.
Customers are urged to review emergency plans—charging phones, gathering flashlights with extra batteries—and use resources like the American Red Cross emergency app sponsored by the Duke Energy Foundation for checklists and shelter information. They should download or update the Duke Energy app via Apple Store or Google Play, confirm account login details through My Account or mobile app to verify contact preferences, sign up for outage alerts by text/phone/email, and know how to report outages online or by calling 800.POWERON (800-769-3766).
Safety remains a top concern: customers should avoid downed wires or debris caused by storms and use generators according to manufacturer instructions.
Network improvements such as stronger poles, underground cables where feasible, and self-healing technology aim to reduce some outages but prolonged disruptions remain possible due to dangerous road conditions especially in rural areas with dense vegetation.
Restoration work will begin when it is safe; critical facilities receive priority but delays may occur if roads are blocked or hazards remain hidden.
For ongoing updates on current outages visit duke-energy.com/OutageMap. Storm tips can be found at duke-energy.com/StormTips.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), headquartered in Charlotte with about 8.6 million electricity customers across six states—including Florida—is investing heavily in grid upgrades alongside cleaner generation sources like natural gas, nuclear energy renewables and storage options while maintaining reliability during its energy transition efforts.
More information is available at duke-energy.com.
