More than 370,000 people without power in North Carolina; Wake, Durham counties in the majority

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Saturday, October 1, 2022
Power outages continue to climb across the Triangle
The majority of power outages are in Wake, Guilford, Mecklenburg and Durham counties, according to NC Emergency Management.

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Friday across the Triangle has been a wet and windy day for North Carolinians due Ian. Below are updates of conditions throughout the area.

10:45 p.m.

The number of power outages has reached to more than 370,000 in North Carolina.

Crews are continuing to monitor roads for flash flooding, downed trees and powerlines.

To stay updated on power outages the tracker can be found here.

8:15 p.m.

Power outage hits 290,394. The majority of the outages are in Wake, Guilford, Mecklenburg and Durham counties, according to NC Emergency Management.

6:00 p.m.

Power outages across the state have increased to over 190,000 as Ian continues to drop heavy rains and gusty wind.

Crews across the state are working to restore power and clean up trees that have fallen due to the storm.

To stay updated on power outages the tracker can be found here.

4:45 p.m.

According to a power outage tracker, more than 120,000 people are without power as of Friday afternoon.

Heavy rain and gusty winds are expected to continue until later tonight throughout the area.

3:30 p.m.

As Ian made landfall near Georgetown, South Carolina, more than 60,000 customers in North Carolina are without power.

As of Friday afternoon, wind gust have increased to 50 mph in some areas, and there are multiple reports of trees falling across the state.

Track the outages yourself at this link.

1:30 p.m.

Power outages in North Carolina have increased to include more than 20,000 people.

The largest outages are in Robeson and Columbus counties.

Track the outages yourself at this link.

11:30 a.m.

According to a power outage tracker, more than 16,000 people were without power.

Duke Energy specifically reports nearly 6,000 outages in Durham but just 49 in Wake County.

9:30 a.m.

As of mid-morning conditions remained fairly benign. Rain has been falling across the state for hours and the wind continues to ramp up. But the worst of the storm is yet to come.

ABC11 crews found a powerline down and under repair in Cary. The power line was located near an apartment complex off Highway 55 at Alston Village Lane.

At Jack Smith Park in Cary, the wind could be seen spinning the whirligigs installed at the park.

Elaina Athans reports on the weather from Jack Smith Park in Cary

LIVE UPDATES: Watch ongoing coverage of Hurricane Ian from ABC11

At Raleigh-Durham International Airport, 47 flights had been canceled as of 9:30 a.m. another 20 flights have experienced delays.

Here are some tips from Ready NC on what you should do ahead of the storm before you lose power

  • Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
  • Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
  • Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
  • Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank.
  • Have flashlights for every household member.
  • Have enough nonperishable food and water.

Here's what you should do if you lose power

If you lose power you should call your power company.

Numbers to call in the Triangle

Duke Energy Progressive: (800) 769-3766 (800-POWERON), or (800) 419-6356

Wake Electric Membership Corporation: (919) 863-6499

PWC Fayetteville: (877) 687-7921

Where are the power outages? Here are some maps you can check for locations of current outages

If you live in Duke Energy coverage area, check this map

Check here for real-time outage numbers from electric cooperatives across North Carolina.

Stay safe! Don't do this

  • Stay away from downed wires and report the location immediately.
  • Always assume any downed wire is live.
  • Avoid making contact with branches or debris that may be in contact with downed power lines.
  • If you see a fallen power line or safety hazard involving our equipment, call your power company or call 911 immediately.
  • Do not touch a power line or anything in contact with it and keep others away until help arrives.
  • Never, ever use a generator indoors.
  • Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
  • Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with momentary surges or spikes that can cause damage.
  • Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
  • The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours.
  • A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary.

What to do after power is restored

Anyone with branches and trees down is going to want to get it cleaned up. Power companies warn that you or anyone working for you should use caution when clearing fallen tree limbs and debris from your yard after a storm. Always assume the downed line is live.

Be mindful of debris with sharp edges, glass or nails

Wear gloves and closed shoes

Don't walk in standing water

Food in the fridge or freezer

  • Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 F (4 C) for 2 hours or more or that has an unusual odor, color, or texture. When in doubt, throw it out!
  • If food in the freezer is colder than 40 F and has ice crystals on it, you can refreeze it.
  • Contact your doctor if you're concerned about medications having spoiled.
  • Restock your emergency kit with fresh batteries, canned foods and other supplies.

What you need in your Big Weather hurricane emergency kit

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