Winter Storm Fern has caused widespread power outages across North Carolina and South Carolina, with Duke Energy reporting 18,016 customers without electricity as of 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 25. The company has restored service to 24,864 customers since the storm began.
Freezing rain and sleet have led to ice accumulation on trees and power lines, resulting in fallen branches and damaged infrastructure. According to Duke Energy storm director Rick Canavan, “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 also noted that crews are positioned throughout the region to restore power as soon as it is safe: “We have crews positioned across the region – some are already restoring power, while others remain ready to move in as soon as conditions allow.”
The utility company uses self-healing technology to reroute electricity around damaged areas remotely. In locations where roads remain hazardous due to ice, Duke Energy will deploy lineworkers and support staff once it is safe for travel.
Duke Energy serves about 4.7 million electric customers in the Carolinas—approximately 3.8 million in North Carolina and nearly 860,000 in South Carolina. The company warned that additional outages are possible even after precipitation ends because ice-covered limbs may continue to fall over the coming days.
Canavan explained how restoration efforts are prioritized: “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.” Emergency facilities and critical infrastructure receive priority during restoration work.
Customers are advised to stay away from downed or sagging power lines and use generators according to manufacturer instructions. More than 18,000 personnel—including lineworkers, vegetation specialists, damage assessors, and support staff—are involved in response efforts.
Duke Energy typically repairs larger outages first by addressing transmission lines, substations, and main distribution lines before moving on to smaller neighborhood issues or individual homes. The absence of visible utility trucks does not mean crews are idle; they may be working upstream at substations or major transmission points necessary for local restoration.
The company is prepared to use helicopters, drones, tracked vehicles, and trucks equipped with chained tires for assessments and repairs. Additional out-of-state crews may arrive Tuesday if needed.
Drivers are reminded that “move over” laws require them to slow down or change lanes for emergency vehicles with flashing lights. Customers who retain power can conserve energy by lowering thermostats a few degrees, ensuring air filters are clean for better airflow efficiency, opening blinds during sunny days for natural warmth (and closing them at night), and running ceiling fans clockwise during winter months.
For current outage information visit duke-energy.com/OutageMap; for safety tips go to duke-energy.com/StormTips.
Duke Energy is one of America’s largest energy holding companies with electric utilities serving customers across six states. It continues investing in grid upgrades along with cleaner generation sources such as renewables and energy storage.
