RALEIGH, N.C. [Feb. 18, 2025] – North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, the utilities that collectively power 45% of the state’s land mass and serve 2.8 million North Carolinians, are closely monitoring the path of Winter Storm Kingston and preparing for possible impacts to the state.

Forecasts show the potential for wintry precipitation – including a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain – across much of the state Wednesday and into Thursday morning. These conditions, combined with the possibility of ice accumulation, can lead to power outages caused primarily by falling trees and branches contacting power lines.

“North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives train and prepare year-round for the impact of severe weather,” said Chris Nault, spokesperson for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “Any time a severe weather system is forecasted to impact our state, our teams move from preparation to action. Line crews across the state are prepped, in place and ready to respond.”

Steps you can take to prepare now include:

• Assemble an emergency kit. The kit should include a supply of non-perishable food, water and medication, as well as any other items you might need in case of a power outage, such as blankets, first-aid supplies, flashlights and batteries.
• Prepare for outages. Charge cell phones and other important electronic devices, gather medications and important documents, and consider making alternative shelter arrangements if you will be significantly impacted by power disruptions.
• Stay informed. Enable emergency alerts on your cell phone to help you make decisions for you or your family.

Should outages occur, electric cooperatives will begin assessing damage and restoring service as quickly and safely as possible. If additional assistance is needed to restore power, cooperatives rely on a widespread network of peer cooperatives across the state and nation for support, which was seen during restoration efforts after Hurricane Helene.

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.

###

North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives collectively serve approximately 2.8 million people in 93 of the state’s 100 counties. For more information, please visit ncelectriccooperatives.com.