Duke Energy preparing for possible winter weather impacts

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Utility companies are preparing for possible impacts from this weekend’s weather.

Duke Energy is closely following the storm as it comes closer to North Carolina.

Thousands of workers are on alert right now, with crews ready to respond to any fallen tree limbs or power lines.

Duke Energy spokesperson Jeff Brooks said they expect to see ice in some areas, which could cause more issues than snow.

“The key to ice is it only takes about a quarter of an inch of ice before we start seeing tree limbs coming down and impacting power lines,” Brooks said. “When we get to half an inch of ice, we can actually see the power lines themselves begin to sag and create outages that way. So, ice is much more powerful in small amounts compared to snow, where we need 6 to 8 inches or more before we start seeing any impacts.”

If you see a fallen power line, call Duke Energy at 800-POWER-ON (800-769-3766) or call 911 immediately.

Do not touch a power live or anything in contact with it and keep others away until help arrives.