Winter storm may bring ice, snow. Could central NC customers lose power? Prep now

Along with its potential to end Raleigh’s nearly three-year snow drought, a storm system headed for North Carolina this weekend could bring at least a temporary halt to electricity.

With colder-than-average temperatures still in the forecast until Sunday, it’s worth making some preparations.

How much ice does it take to knock out power?

According to Duke Energy, the largest electrical utility in North Carolina, ice buildup of a quarter-inch or more on tree branches can cause them to fall on power lines, leading to outages.

Ice accumulations of a half-inch or more can cause the lines themselves to sag or fall, taking electrical service out. The same can happen with 6 inches or more of wet snow, Duke says.

How much ice could Raleigh or central NC get?

As of Wednesday afternoon, the National Weather Service said Raleigh has a 50% to 60% chance of getting more than an inch of snow as a low-pressure system makes it way up the coast and interacts with the Arctic air in place over North Carolina. Its track and timing are still undetermined, so forecasters can’t say yet exactly what the impacts will be.

The forecast also says a “light glaze” of up to a tenth of an inch of ice is possible in much of central N.C., especially in the area south of I-85 to the North Carolina-South Carolina border. Precipitation in the south-central part of the state is expected to start as snow and then switch to sleet or freezing rain before becoming all rain and then stopping on Saturday morning.

How can I report a power outage?

If you’re served by Duke and your power goes out, you can:

• Text OUT to 57801

• Use the Duke Energy app on your phone or other mobile device

• Visit duke-energy.com/outages on a desktop computer or mobile device

• Call the automated outage-reporting system at 800-POWERON (800-769-3766).

How to prep now for possible power outage

• As with any major weather event, preparation is easier than response. The storm isn’t likely to have any impact before Friday afternoon or evening, leaving time to find your flashlights or battery-power lanterns and buy extra batteries.
• Candles and camping lanterns that operate with fuel oil should be considered an emergency-only solution because of the fire risk they present. With two days to prepare, you should be able to track down a flashlight.
• If the power goes out at night, most people can stay warm enough to sleep by piling fleece and wool blankets onto the bed. Chemical hand-warmers sold at camping-supply stores and in sporting-goods departments placed under the covers will last until morning.
• If you have a special-needs resident in your household whose survival or good health requires electricity, make plans now for an alternate place to stay in case power goes out. When making hotel reservations, ask if there is a generator for backup.
• Keep phones charged. If you rely on well water that has an electric pump, stash a few days’ worth of bottled water.
• Stock up a few meals’ worth of non-perishable food (this is why Southerners clear the grocery-store bread aisle when we hear the words “snow” or “hurricane”).

Power outage safety reminders

• We know it’s cold, but do not be tempted to bring outdoor cooking appliances inside to make a hot meal. No grills, no camp stoves, no propane heaters. These produce carbon monoxide, which kills people and pets when brought inside.
• If you have a generator, operate that outside — not in the garage, not under the carport — at least 10 feet from the house to keep the fumes from coming in. Always shut it off to refill it.
• If power lines fall or sag, consider them live and report them to the utility company.

This story was originally published January 9, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Winter storm may bring ice, snow. Could central NC customers lose power? Prep now."

Martha Quillin

The News & Observer

919-829-8989

Martha Quillin writes about climate change and the environment. She has covered North Carolina news, culture, religion and the military since joining The News & Observer in 1987.