Cold temperatures likely cause of blown transformer

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The cold temperatures, which is causing a higher than normal demand for power, is likely what caused a transformer to blow in downtown Wilmington, according to Duke Energy.

The transformer blew in the 400 block of N. 5th Avenue a little after 12:30 p.m.

Wilmington Police say the road could be closed until 6 or 7 p.m., as utility crews work to replace the blown transformer.

TRAFFIC ALERT: The 400 block of North 5th Avenue will be closed for the next 5-7 hours as crews work to restore a blown transformer. Please avoid the area if possible.

— Wilmington Police (@WilmingtonPD) January 2, 2018

About 20 customers are without power.

Duke Energy says the higher than normal demand often leads to overworked equipment, which is likely what happened in this case, but the crew will investigate to determine if that was the exact cause.

The power was still out at 6 p.m.