RALEIGH, N.C. (Dec. 9, 2018 – 3:30 p.m.) – North Carolina’s 26 local electric cooperatives are collectively reporting 45,000 power outages as of 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Electric co-ops serving North
Carolina’s central, mountain and southwestern communities are reporting the highest number of outages, particularly in Randolph, Union and Polk counties.
Although a brief lull in precipitation is expected across the state late this afternoon and evening, cooperative consumer-members are urged to stay on high alert as additional mixed precipitation and continued wind gusts could cause more power outages. Heavy snow and ice can weigh down tree limbs and branches and bring them into contact with power lines, which is a primary cause of power outages in winter weather.
Snow and ice coat a power line near Asheboro, served by Randolph EMC.
Electric cooperative power restoration crews are out in force, working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power and warmth to cooperative members. Support crews from electric cooperatives in less-impacted areas of the state, particularly eastern and coastal communities, as well as out-of-state crews, have joined their peers in highly impacted areas and more are on the way.
Up-to-date statewide co-op outage numbers can be accessed anytime via our Live Outage Map.
Electric cooperative members are asked to report power outages or any dangerous situations caused by the storm to their local electric cooperative.
Safety:
- Please heed Gov. Cooper’s request to stay off the road. Not only does this prevent you from getting in an accident, but it also allows power restoration crews to safely access restoration points faster.
- Never go near a downed or sagging power line, and do not attempt to remove debris from power lines, as the lines could still be energized and very dangerous.
- Never connect a generator directly to a home’s wiring; this poses a serious threat to line workers. Instead, use an extension cord to plug lights and appliances into the generator.
- Only use generators and charcoal grills in well-ventilated outdoor areas; a garage does not count as a well-ventilated area. Cooking indoors with Sterno or charcoal will produce deadly carbon-monoxide fumes.
Stay tuned to Facebook and Twitter or connect with your local electric cooperative for the latest updates and safety tips.
North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives collectively serve approximately 2.5 million people in 93 of the state’s 100 counties. For more information, visit ncelectriccooperatives.com.
###