Duke Energy has projected that the hazardous wintry precipitation and high winds from the approaching winter storm could cause nearly 1 million power outages — some lasting several days — beginning Feb. 18 in North Carolina and South Carolina, based on the storm’s current forecasted track.
Ice buildup causing trees and branches to fall on power lines is usually the culprit for power outages during an ice storm. Ice buildup of a quarter-inch or more is often the threshold amount that causes trees and branches to fall.
The storm comes on the heels of last weekend’s winter storm, which caused significant outages in the northern part of North Carolina, as well as the Triad and Triangle areas of the state.
Duke Energy meteorologists continue to monitor weather conditions and the company is making plans accordingly. Line technicians, service crews and other personnel throughout Duke Energy's service area are prepared to respond as outages and emergencies occur