Duke Power is working on restoring power throughout the area after an overnight storm left extensive damage to the system.
At the peak of the storm at 4 a.m. today, more than 256,000 customers were without power. Workers from the Midwest have been called in to help.
Sixty- to 70-mile-per-hour wind gusts and driving rain uprooted large trees, downed power poles and power lines.
While crews have already begun restoration efforts, the main focus now is on conducting a detailed damage assessment and the company expects to provide estimated times of restoration later today.
“While our crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power, we also encourage members of the public to focus on their own personal safety,” said Jim Stanley, Duke Energy’s senior vice president for power delivery.
“It is important to stay away from downed or sagging power lines. All lines, as well as trees or limbs in contact with the lines, should be considered energized, and dangerous.”
Approximately 300 additional workers are traveling from the company’s Midwest service area to assist with Carolinas restoration efforts. In addition, the company is working with other utilities in the Southeast to secure additional crews to assist.
Storm damage photos are available on Flickr in the following set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dukeenergy/sets/72157626434443348/.
Storm-related information and Duke Energy restoration updates can be accessed online at: http://www.duke-energy.com; via Twitter at http://twitter.com/DukeEnergyStorm ; and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/DukeEnergyStorm.
Customers may report power outages by calling Duke Energy’s automated 1-800-POWER-ON (1-800-769-3766) number. Spanish-speaking customers should call toll free at 1-866-427-2466. If customers need to speak on the phone with a representative, they may experience extended wait times.