Duke Energy has mobilized more than 18,000 workers from 27 states and Canada to prepare for Winter Storm Fern, which is expected to impact the Carolinas this weekend. The company’s crews and support teams are finalizing their storm response plans as forecasts predict dangerous travel conditions and the possibility of extended power outages.
Rick Canavan, Duke Energy 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 warned about the challenges ahead: “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.”
“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,” said Canavan.
Meteorologists monitoring Fern expect snow, sleet or freezing rain could begin as early as Saturday. Ice accumulation poses a significant risk; even a quarter inch of ice can bring down tree branches onto power lines while a half inch or more can pull down entire lines.
Tree trimming operations were completed in targeted areas ahead of the storm. More than 18,000 restoration workers—including Duke Energy staff and contractors—will be stationed across North Carolina and South Carolina by Friday night.
Duke Energy serves approximately 4.7 million electric customers in these two states—about 3.8 million in North Carolina and nearly 860,000 in South Carolina.
To respond effectively, Duke Energy is tracking weather updates from its meteorologists; positioning crews and equipment where severe weather is most likely; establishing 22 basecamps across the Carolinas for out-of-state crews; preparing damage assessment teams; continuing vegetation management; and coordinating with emergency officials at state and local levels.
The company recommends customers review their emergency plans, charge devices, gather supplies such as flashlights and batteries, use tools like the American Red Cross Emergency app (sponsored by the Duke Energy Foundation), update or download the Duke Energy mobile app via Apple Store or Google Play, confirm account information through My Account or mobile app login systems, sign up for outage alerts via text/phone/email, and know how to report outages online or by phone.
Customers are reminded to avoid downed power lines or debris after storms. Generator use should follow manufacturer guidelines. While recent grid improvements such as stronger poles, undergrounding utilities, and self-healing technology aim to reduce outages’ frequency or duration, extended outages remain possible due to hazardous road conditions caused by ice accumulation—especially in rural or heavily wooded areas.
Power restoration will start once conditions allow crews safe access. Critical facilities will be prioritized during repairs but some areas may experience delays because of blocked roads or hidden damages.
More information on current outages is available at duke-energy.com/OutageMap while safety tips can be found at duke-energy.com/StormTips. Updates are also shared through X (@DukeEnergy), Facebook (facebook.com/DukeEnergy), LinkedIn, Instagram, other social media platforms including illumination stories highlighting energy transition efforts by Duke Energy.
