Duke Energy announced on March 15 that it is preparing for damaging high winds and possible tornadic activity expected throughout Monday in the Carolinas, which could lead to downed trees and power lines.
The company said these weather conditions may cause power outages, urging customers to take precautions ahead of the storm. Duke Energy emphasized the importance of safety and preparation as severe weather approaches.
Rick Canavan, Duke Energy storm director, said, “Strong wind gusts can bring down trees and power lines and cause outages, and our line and tree crews will work as quickly and safely as possible to restore service as outages occur.” He added, “We’re closely monitoring weather conditions, and we encourage customers to prepare now, stay weather‑aware, and always avoid downed power lines.”
Duke Energy advised customers to make a plan by charging phones, gathering flashlights with extra batteries, updating contact information through their My Account or mobile app, signing up for outage alerts via text or email, and knowing how to report an outage using various methods including online submission or calling 800.POWERON (800.769.3766). The company also reminded residents to stay away from downed power lines or debris after storms and use generators safely.
The utility noted that recent grid improvements—such as upgraded poles and wires, undergrounding outage-prone lines, and adding smart self-healing technology—are designed to reduce outages and speed restoration. However, extended outages remain possible during severe weather events. Restoration efforts may be delayed if crews face hazardous travel conditions or blocked roads; additionally, safety protocols prevent elevated work in bucket trucks when winds reach 30 mph or higher.
Duke Energy serves millions of electric utility customers across several states including North Carolina and South Carolina. The company continues investing in grid upgrades and cleaner energy sources while focusing on reliability for its customers.
