Duke Energy reported that more than 18,000 customers in North and South Carolina were without power as of 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, due to winter storm Fern. The storm has brought freezing rain and sleet to the region, causing trees, branches, and power lines to fall.
The company stated that cold temperatures are expected to persist throughout the week, which could result in additional outages even after precipitation ends. “The winter storm Fern continues to create dangerous conditions in the Carolinas, and we expect the number of outages to increase as ice continues to bring down trees and power lines,” said Rick Canavan, Duke Energy’s storm director.
Canavan added: “Damage from ice can continue long after the storm has passed. Even when skies clear, ice can make falling tree branches 30 times heavier and much more likely to break power lines and poles.” He noted that teams are positioned across the region; some are already restoring service while others are waiting for safer conditions. “Once it is safe, many of our workers will assess damage and restore power simultaneously rather than sequentially, so customers will see further progress as soon as crews can safely reach affected areas.”
By Sunday afternoon, Duke Energy had restored electricity to 24,864 customers but reported ongoing outages for 18,016 others—14,802 in North Carolina and 3,214 in South Carolina. The company serves about 4.7 million electric customers across both states.
Line workers continue assessing damage and restoring service where possible. The company is using self-healing technology to remotely reroute electricity around damaged equipment when feasible. In areas where road conditions remain hazardous, Duke Energy plans to deploy crews as soon as it is safe.
Duke Energy emphasized safety for both its workforce—over 18,000 lineworkers, vegetation specialists, damage assessors and support staff—and customers during restoration efforts. Crews follow a staged approach prioritizing repairs at transmission lines and substations before addressing smaller neighborhood outages or individual sites. Emergency facilities and critical infrastructure receive priority throughout this process.
Customers are urged to stay away from downed or sagging power lines and use generators according to manufacturer instructions. Motorists should move over or slow down significantly near utility vehicles with flashing lights per state law.
For those with electricity during colder-than-normal temperatures expected over the next week, Duke Energy recommends several low- or no-cost energy-saving measures: lowering thermostats as much as comfortably possible; ensuring air filters are clean; opening blinds on sunny days for natural warmth; closing them at night; and running ceiling fans clockwise in winter months.
Additional out-of-state crews may arrive by Tuesday if needed for restoration support.
###
