RALEIGH, N.C. (Oct. 29, 2020, 3:15 p.m.) – North Carolina’s network of electric cooperatives is currently reporting approximately 58,000 power outages caused by the remnants of Hurricane Zeta. This is down from a midday peak of 84,000, with the greatest concentration of outages remaining in the hardest-hit mountain and western piedmont regions.
Strong gusts of wind bringing trees and limbs in contact with power lines caused the majority of the outages. Cooperative line crews, tree trimmers and other storm-response personnel are out in force, working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to cooperative members. Power restoration teams from cooperatives in less-affected parts of the state are joining local crews and working together until service is restored to all co-op members.
North Carolina’s electric cooperatives urge caution near work areas to keep line restoration crews safe and allow them to focus on bringing power back to the greatest number of people in the shortest amount of time.
Please remember to never touch a downed power line; fallen lines can remain energized and pose serious dangers. The same is true for anything in contact with a power line, which is especially important to keep in mind if you are clearing debris.
Real-time outage information from electric cooperatives across the state is available on a Statewide Outage Map.