Tropical Storm Helene: Latest Information

9:00 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 11

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have worked around-the-clock for two weeks to restore 95% of the outages caused by damage from Tropical Storm Helene. Approximately 11,500 outages remain in western North Carolina as crews continue to work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to all members. The remaining outages are among the most challenging, as crews are not just repairing but rebuilding electric infrastructure in areas that have been difficult to access. Despite these challenges, co-op crews will not rest until all outages are restored.

• More than 500 reinforcements from over 30 electric cooperatives in 11 states, plus a substantial army of contract crews, tree trimmers and road graders have been on the ground with local electric cooperative power restoration crews.
• Every electric cooperative member who is still without power is a priority for their co-op, and they are doing everything they can to overcome every obstacle and get the power back on for their members.
• As crews continue their restoration efforts, cooperatives urge members to please use caution around utility workers along highways and roadways. Slow down and respect work zones as crews work hard to restore power.

10:00 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10

North Carolina’s electric cooperative crews are working tirelessly to restore power to more than 14,000 members still without electricity. These remaining outages are among the most challenging, as crews are not just repairing but rebuilding electric infrastructure damaged by Tropical Storm Helene. Crews are working as quickly and safely as possible, and every member still without power is a priority for their co-op.

• Crews have restored power to more than 221,000 members, with approximately 14,700 outages remaining.
• More than 500 reinforcements from over 30 electric cooperatives in 11 states, plus a substantial army of contract crews, tree trimmers and road graders have been on the ground with local electric cooperative power restoration crews.
• Every electric cooperative member who is still without power is a priority for their co-op, and they are doing everything they can to overcome every obstacle and get the power back on for their members.
• As crews continue their restoration efforts, cooperatives urge members to please use caution around utility workers along highways and roadways. Slow down and respect work zones as crews work hard to restore power.
• Real-time outage numbers from electric cooperatives across the state are available on a Statewide Outage Map.
  

9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have restored power to more than 217,600 members as crews continue to work tirelessly in challenging conditions to repair and rebuild damaged electric infrastructure across western North Carolina in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene. In areas inaccessible to heavy machinery, crews are setting poles by hand, utilizing spades and hand diggers, as well as iron bars to loosen rock. This is a time-consuming and laborious process, albeit necessary to restore power as quickly as possible to areas with destroyed roads.

• Approximately 18,400 outages remain as crews have restored power to more than 5,000 members in the last 24 hours.
• More than 500 reinforcements from over 30 electric cooperatives in 11 states, plus a substantial army of contract crews, tree trimmers and road graders have been on the ground with local electric cooperative power restoration crews.
• Every electric cooperative member who is still without power is a priority for their co-op, and they are doing everything they can to overcome every obstacle and get the power back on for their members.
• As crews continue their restoration efforts, cooperatives urge members to please use caution around utility workers along highways and roadways. Slow down and respect work zones as crews work hard to restore power.
• Real-time outage numbers from electric cooperatives across the state are available on a Statewide Outage Map.

9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8

Facing challenging conditions and catastrophic damage, electric co-op crews have worked around-the-clock for over a week to restore power to nearly than 213,000 members across western North Carolina. Approximately 23,000 outages remain as crews are still working to access hard to reach areas and repair and rebuild electric infrastructure damaged by Tropical Storm Helene.

• In areas inaccessible to heavy machinery, crews are setting poles by hand, utilizing spades and hand diggers, as well as iron bars to loosen rock. This is a time-consuming and laborious process, albeit necessary to restore power as quickly as possible to areas with destroyed roads.
• More than 500 reinforcements from over 30 electric cooperatives in 11 states, plus a substantial army of contract crews, have been on the ground with local electric cooperative power restoration crews.
• Every electric cooperative member who is still without power is a priority for their co-op, and they are doing everything they can to overcome every obstacle and get the power back on for their members.
• As crews continue their restoration efforts, cooperatives urge members to please use caution around utility workers along highways and roadways. Slow down and respect work zones as crews work hard to restore power.
• Real-time outage numbers from electric cooperatives across the state are available on a Statewide Outage Map.

4:00 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have restored power to more than 208,000 consumer-members in western North Carolina and will continue their efforts until power is restored to all homes capable of receiving electric service.

• Approximately 27,800 outages remain, and co-op crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to members.
• As crews continue their restoration efforts, cooperatives urge members to please use caution around utility workers along highways and roadways. Slow down and respect work zones as crews work hard to restore power.
• Real-time outage numbers from electric cooperatives across the state are available on a Statewide Outage Map.

5:00 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have restored power to more than 200,000 members as crews continue to work around-the-clock in challenging conditions to repair and rebuild damaged electric infrastructure in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene.

• Approximately 34,000 outages remain in western North Carolina as of 5 p.m. Sunday.
• Every electric cooperative member who is still without power is a priority for their co-op, and they are doing everything they can to overcome every obstacle and get the power back on for their members.
• Real-time outage numbers from electric cooperatives across the state are available on a Statewide Outage Map.

6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5

On Saturday night, nine days after Tropical Storm Helene’s eye passed over western North Carolina, 40,500 power outages remain across four electric cooperatives. This is down from a peak of 236,000 outages last Friday. While the cooperatives have made tremendous progress, they won’t be satisfied until power is restored to all homes capable of receiving electric service. They want nothing more than to turn the power back on for all co-op members affected by Tropical Storm Helene’s destruction.

While you’re waiting for the power to come back on, please help keep these crews safe, especially if you are using a generator – whether it has been just been delivered to you or if you’ve used it for several days.

8 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 4

Friday morning marks one week since Tropical Storm Helene ravaged western North Carolina communities with unprecedented flooding and high winds, leaving thousands without power and electric infrastructure destroyed. 

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives report 58,000 outages in western counties, down from a peak of 236,000 last Friday, Sept. 27. The long duration of these outages can be attributed entirely to the severity of damage to electric cooperative infrastructure and the lack of access to some areas because of destroyed roadways. More than 500 reinforcements from over 30 electric cooperatives in 11 states, plus a substantial army of contract crews, are deployed with local electric cooperative power restoration crews.

• “You matter to us,” said Doug Johnson, chief executive officer of Lenoir-based Blue Ridge Energy in a video addressing members still without power. “We care about you, and we will not stop until every single member has their lights come back on.”
• Johnson’s sentiment was echoed by Dirk Burleson, general manager of neighboring Forest City-based Rutherford EMC, in a message to members. “Our hearts remain with every person impacted. We will continue to work as hard as we can, around the clock, and we will not stop until power is restored for every member,” said Burleson.

9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3

Note from the field as total outages drop to 59,000 :

Farris Leonard, director of Job Training & Safety for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, urges drivers in western North Carolina to please slow down and use caution on the roads. Leonard, who is working with power restoration crews reports that the steep and winding roads can obstruct the line of sight for drivers. “They may be used to driving a route a certain way, but if they come up over a hill and there’s a crew working, that could be dangerous situation,” Leonard said. “These crews are already performing hazardous work, and they deserve a work environment that’s as safe as possible.”

• Slow down and do not drive distracted.
• Drive according to the conditions of the road and recognize road conditions in western North Carolina today are very different than they were a week ago. 
• In North Carolina, the penalty for violating Move Over law requirements can be up to a $500 fine, along with the possibility of being charged with a felony if a collision occurs that results in serious injury or death.

10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have restored power to 164,000 members as crews continue to battle challenging conditions in their efforts to repair and rebuild electric infrastructure in the western part of the state.

• Crews will continue to work tirelessly until power is restored to the 72,000 members who are still without power.
• NC’s Move Over law requires motorists, if they can safely do so, to move one lane away from any law enforcement, other emergency vehicles and utility vehicles that are on the side of the highway.
• Protecting line crews is a top priority for North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, and it’s a safety measure everyone can help with.
• Real-time outage numbers from electric cooperatives across the state are available on a Statewide Outage Map.

Link to full press release.

8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2

Cooperative crews continue to make progress as hundreds of reinforcements from co-ops both in-state and out-of-state, along with dozens of contract crews, tree trimmers and road graders are on the ground in western North Carolina working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

• Cooperatives have restored power to more than 160,000 members since Friday.
• 76,000 outages remain as crews continue to face challenging conditions as they work to rebuild and repair severely damaged electric infrastructure.
• As crews continue their restoration efforts, cooperatives urge members to please use caution around utility workers along highways and roadways. Slow down and respect work zones as crews work hard to restore power.
• Real-time outage numbers from electric cooperatives across the state are available on a Statewide Outage Map.

9 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2

Hundreds of lineworkers from more than 30 electric cooperatives in North Carolina and nine other states have joined the power restoration effort in support of their fellow co-ops in western NC.

• 150,000 power outages to co-op members in western North Carolina have been restored.
• Crumbled, washed-out roads and landslides continue to pose unprecedented challenges for line crews in being able to access damage. In many cases, crews are hiking miles to access damage to the system because of the road conditions.
• Every electric cooperative member who is still without power is a priority for their co-op, and they are doing everything they can to overcome every obstacle and get the power back on to the remaining 86,000 homes and businesses.

Link to full press release.

8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1

We are in this together, and although the damage from Helene is devastating and historic, restoring power to each and every co-op member as quickly and safely as possible is our number one priority.

Hundreds of lineworkers from co-ops across the state and country have come to western NC to help local crews with their restoration efforts. They are joined by dozens of contract crews, tree trimmers and road graders to help clear debris and repair or build new roadways so that lineworkers can continue to make progress restoring power to members.

• Power has been restored to more than 146,000 electric co-op members since reaching a peak on Friday.
• Crews are working around the clock to restore power to the approximately 89,000 remaining outages.
• Real-time outage numbers from electric cooperatives across the state are available on a Statewide Outage Map.

9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1

Power has been restored to 134,000 electric co-op members as cooperatives continue an all-out effort to reconnect and rebuild severely damaged or destroyed infrastructure in Western North Carolina following Tropical Storm Helene. Cooperative crews are facing unprecedented conditions with unwavering commitment and resolve to restore power for each and every cooperative member. In the hardest-hit areas, these are long-duration outages expected to last more than a week.

• “We thank each electric cooperative member in western North Carolina for their patience during this unprecedented time,” said Nelle Hotchkiss, senior vice president and chief operating officer for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “Their support means so much to the crews in the field, who are facing unique challenges with each restoration effort.”

Link to full press release.

8:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30

Cooperative crews have faced numerous challenges, but through their unwavering commitment and hard work, crews have restored power to more than 125,000 members.

• Crews are working around the clock to restore power to more than 111,000 remaining outages.
• Even four days after the heavy wind and rain brought by Hurricane Helene across western North Carolina, crews are still contending with lingering floodwaters, mudslides, and collapsed roads.
• Real-time outage numbers from electric cooperatives across the state are available on a Statewide Outage Map.

8:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 30

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have restored power to more than 110,000 consumer-members in western North Carolina and will continue their efforts until power is restored to all homes capable of receiving electric service.

• “It’s hard to describe the extent of the damage to the cooperatives’ systems,” said Nelle Hotchkiss, senior vice president and chief operating officer for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, the trade association for the state’s 26 local electric co-ops. “In many cases, it’s not just a repair effort, but a rebuild.”
• Lingering flood water, mudslides and collapsed roads have made some areas of the cooperatives’ systems inaccessible, and in other areas, crews are pushing through trees, brush and debris to locate and begin working on damaged infrastructure.
• Spans of line are down, poles snapped and in some cases, infrastructure has washed away. 

Link to full press release.

8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29

• The power is back on for more than 100,000 electric cooperative consumer-members in western North Carolina, and crews will continue this all-out push until power is back on for all.
• Watauga, Burke and Yancey counties currently have the highest number of outages, but power outages extend into 20 more counties.
• Electric cooperatives serving areas with the most extensive storm damage are backed by reinforcements from peer electric cooperatives in and out of state, as well as contract crews, tree removal experts and other support specialists.
• Generator safety: If you use a portable generator, always operate the generator outdoors in an open area. Use an extension cord to connect the generator directly to the appliance and ensure the extension cord has three-prongs and is rated for the amount of power used by the appliance. 

1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29

In the wake of this catastrophic storm, dedicated crews are working tirelessly to rebuild the electric infrastructure powering communities across western North Carolina.

• Power has been restored to more than 90,000 members, with 146,000 outages remaining.
• In many cases, rebuilding efforts are from the ground up as crews replace broken poles and spans of line.
• Accessing all of the points of repair will take a week or longer because of washed out roads, flood waters and road closures.
• Real-time outage numbers from electric cooperatives across the state are available on a Statewide Outage Map.

9:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29

From the mountains, all the way to the coast, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have banded together to support the communities of western North Carolina. Crews including tree trimmers, line technicians and construction crews have worked tirelessly to restore power.

• Power has been restored to more than 84,000 members after a peak of 236,000 outages Friday evening.
• With 150,700 outages remaining, crews will continue to work tirelessly to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
• Co-op members are urged to be prepared for prolonged outages, especially in the hardest hit areas where outages could remain for the next week.

Link to full press release.

 

6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28

Western North Carolina is grappling with washed out roads, extreme flooding, mudslides and fallen trees. But the cooperative spirit can’t be dimmed. Power restoration crews from 15 of North Carolina’s electric cooperatives in the eastern and central part of the state have traveled west to join forces with the hardest hit co-ops and get the lights back on for members. We’re also grateful to welcome co-op teams from Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Hampshire, Virginia and Tennessee.

• The lights are back on for more than 52,000 co-op members in western North Carolina.
• There are widespread outages across cooperative distribution systems, as well as more than 150 outages impacting transmission lines that are not owned by cooperatives but feed cooperative substations. 

Thanks to Blue Ridge Energy for these photos, which provide a bird’s eye view of some of the conditions power restoration crews are navigating in western North Carolina.

1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28

Crews continue to work throughout the day to restore power to members. Co-ops from across the state have also pledged their support, sending crews to assist with restoration.

• Power has been restored to more than 46,000 members after a peak of 235,000 outages Friday evening.
• 189,000 outages remain as crews work as quickly and safely as possible, navigating the flooding and downed trees that are causing delays.
• Real-time outage numbers from electric cooperatives across the state are available on a Statewide Outage Map.

9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28 

Co-op line crews are out in force working to restore power to members after Tropical Storm Helene swept through the state Thursday and Friday bringing historic damage to western North Carolina communities.

• More than 198,000 co-op members are without power
• Outage numbers may continue to fluctuate as crews battle tough conditions with downed trees, widespread flooding and road closures still causing delays.
• Real-time outage numbers from electric cooperatives across the state are available on a Statewide Outage Map.

Link to full press release.

9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27 

Cooperative crews have worked throughout the afternoon and evening to assess damage and restore power to members impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. As of 9:00 p.m. on Friday, approximately 210,000 North Carolina cooperative members are without power.

• Downed trees, as well as widespread flooding and road closures may continue to cause delays in power restoration in many areas until conditions improve.
• Cooperation among cooperatives is in effect, with crews from unaffected areas being mobilized to assist with power restoration in the harder hit areas in the western part of the state.
• Crews will continue to work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
• For real-time outage information, visit our outage map.

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6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27 

Restoration efforts continue in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene’s trek across the state Thursday and Friday. Co-op crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to members.

• As of 6:00 p.m. Friday, approximately 220,000 North Carolina co-op members are without power.
• Due to extreme conditions caused by heavy rainfall, flooding and downed trees, co-op members are encouraged to be prepared that power outages could last for several days or more.
• While restoration continues, cooperatives encourage members to stay far away from any downed or sagging power lines. Additionally, flood waters and debris can hide downed power lines. Do not approach any areas where power lines are down, and never touch a downed line.
• Real-time outage numbers from electric cooperatives across the state are available on a Statewide Outage Map.

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3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27 

The eye of Tropical Storm Helene has passed through North Carolina, bringing heavy rainfall, flooding and downed trees throughout the western half of the state. As of 3:00 p.m. on Friday, approximately 230,000 North Carolina cooperative members are without power. Co-op crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to members.

• Officials say outage numbers could continue to fluctuate into the evening as previous outages are restored and new ones occur from falling trees and additional flooding.
• Because of these extreme conditions, as well as the extent and complicated nature of these outages, this could be a multi-day power outage event.
• Cooperatives from the eastern part of the state, along with peer cooperative crews from other parts of the nation, are on their way to support local crews in hard-hit western North Carolina.

Link to full press release.

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12 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27 

Outages are now up to 227,000 as the eye of the storm moves through North Carolina, bringing strong winds and more rain. Crews continue to navigate conditions, working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

• Flood waters and debris can hide downed power lines. Do not approach any areas where power lines are down, and never touch a downed line.
• Real-time outage numbers from electric cooperatives across the state are available on a Statewide Outage Map.
  

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9:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 27 

With heavy rainfall and wind throughout the night and continuing into the morning, more than 139,000 members served by electric cooperatives in western North Carolina are without power Friday morning. Co-op members are encouraged to be prepared that power outages could last for several days or more.

• As of 9:30 a.m. on Friday, approximately 139,000 North Carolina cooperative members are without power.
• Co-op crews will continue to work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to members, but restoration times will be affected by road closures and flooding.
• Flood waters and debris can hide downed power lines. Do not approach any areas where power lines are down, and never touch a downed line. These lines can still be energized and are extremely dangerous.

Link to full press release.

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NC Electric Cooperatives monitoring Helene, preparing for potential impacts in North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. [Sept. 26, 2024] – North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, the electric utilities that collectively serve 45% of the state’s land mass and power the homes of 2.5 million people, are closely monitoring the approach of Hurricane Helene and preparing for potential impacts to the state.  

Forecasts show the potential for Helene to bring heavy rain and flooding to North Carolina, especially in the western part of the state. In these conditions, because the ground is already saturated in many areas due to recent rainfall, even moderate wind gusts can cause trees to topple, resulting in downed power lines and outages.    

“Crews and all cooperative power restoration personnel are prepared to respond quickly and safely if outages occur,” said Nelle Hotchkiss, senior vice president and chief operating officer for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, the trade association for the state’s 26 local electric co-ops. “Because electric co-ops are based in the communities they serve, line crews are able to assess damage and start power restoration efforts as soon as conditions are safe.” 

Seven electric cooperatives serve communities along and west of I-77, providing power to more than 450,000 homes and businesses in the forecasted cone of the storm. If additional assistance is needed to restore power, cooperatives rely on a widespread network of peer cooperatives across the state and nation for support. 

“Now is the time to make a plan, assemble an emergency kit and follow instructions of local officials,” said Hotchkiss. 

Below are some preparedness and safety steps to take now before the storm:  

• Make a Plan. In case of a power outage or evacuation, have a plan for your family in place. Remember to consider a plan for pets and livestock.  

• Prepare for Outages. Take steps now to charge cell phones and other electronic devices, gather medications and important documents, and prepare an emergency kit that includes a flashlight, radio and batteries. 

• Stay Informed. Enable emergency alerts on your cell phone to help you make decisions for you or your family. Should an outage occur, your local electric cooperative’s social media pages and website can provide helpful restoration updates. 

Real-time outage numbers from electric cooperatives across the state are available on a Statewide Outage Map. For storm tips for all types of severe weather, including preparation check lists, food safety information, scam awareness and more, visit the cooperative Storm Center. 

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North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives collectively serve approximately 2.5 million people in 93 of the state’s 100 counties. For more information, please visit ncelectriccooperatives.com.