Duke Energy prepares as severe weather approaches the Carolinas

CHARLOTTE – Duke Energy is monitoring and preparing for a severe weather system expected to move through the Carolinas on Tuesday that could cause widespread power outages.

“There have been many severe weather systems across the nation in recent weeks. Duke Energy meteorologists have been tracking them, and our crews are prepared to respond if needed,” said Jason Hollifield, Carolinas storm director. "It is our priority to keep our customers informed and encourage them to prepare in advance.”

High winds, severe storms and saturated ground may lead to downed trees, limbs and power lines. These winds can also impede Duke Energy workers’ ability to assess storm damage and restore power.

Safety information

Duke Energy encourages customers to have a plan in place to respond to an extended power outage after severe weather. Below are some general storm tips:

Before the storm

Have a plan in place for what you will do if you lose power. Consider keeping a storm emergency supply kit handy, in case it is needed. A typical kit might include medicines, water, nonperishable foods and other supplies that might be hard to find after a storm hits. You can keep the kit handy year 'round for when severe weather strikes.

Maintain a plan to move family members – especially those with special needs – to a safe, alternative location in case an extended power outage occurs.

Charge cellphones, computers and other electronic devices in advance of storms to stay connected to important safety and response information. Consider purchasing portable chargers and make sure they are fully charged as well.

Keep a portable radio or TV or a NOAA weather radio on hand to monitor weather forecasts and important information from state and local officials.

After the storm

Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging. Consider all lines energized, as well as trees, limbs or anything in contact with lines.

If a power line falls across a car that you are in, stay in the car. If you must get out of the car because of a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.

If you are driving and come across a utility crew working along the road to repair power, move over or slow down to keep crews and yourself safe. It’s not just a good idea – it’s the law.

Outage reporting

After a storm hits, restoring power as safely and quickly as possible is the top priority, while keeping  customers informed. Customers who experience an outage during a storm can report it the following ways:

• Visit duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device.
• Use the Duke Energy mobile app – Download the Duke Energy App from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play.
• Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).
• Call the automated outage-reporting system, at: 800.POWERON (800.769.3766).
• Visit our interactive outage map to find up-to-date information on power outages, including the total number of outages systemwide and estimated times of restoration.

Understand how Duke Energy restores power.

High water on Duke Energy lakes

Duke Energy continues to move water through its river systems to prepare for rainfall and runoff.

Individuals who live along lakes and rivers and in flood-prone areas should pay close attention to local media and weather forecasts for changes in weather conditions and rising water levels. Duke Energy also encourages those residents to follow instructions from local emergency officials. 

Real-time lake level information is available at www.duke-energy.com/community/lakes, by calling (800) 829-5253 or on the Duke Energy Lake View mobile app.