Raleigh, N.C. —

• North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are reporting 19,700 outages as a result of severe weather. Outages are scattered across the state.
• Crews are restoring outages as quickly and safely as possible, but additional outages could occur as strong winds and heavy rain persist.
• Fallen power lines are very dangerous and can be deadly. If you see a downed power line or broken pole, do not go near it.

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives’ line crews and personnel are responding to approximately 19,700 power outages in locations scattered across the state caused by today’s severe weather. The cooperatives caution that as storm bands bring strong winds and heavy rain to additional areas, outage numbers could fluctuate. Restoration work will continue as long as is safely possible until all cooperative members are back online.

North Carolina’s electric cooperative remind members that storm conditions can lead to downed power lines. Fallen power lines are very dangerous and can be deadly. If you see a downed power line or broken pole, do not go near it. Call your local electric cooperative or 911 immediately.

You can find contact information for your electric cooperative at www.ncelectriccooperatives.com/storm/outages.htm.

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives provide energy to 2.5 million people in 93 of the state’s 100 counties, primarily in rural parts of the state.