Severe thunderstorms swept across parts of the Carolinas, knocking out thousands of power connections for Duke Energy customers. Repair crews were dispatched to assess damage and begin restoration.
This blog post breaks down what happened, who was affected, and how residents can stay informed and safe as crews work to restore service. It draws on the latest updates from Duke Energy, the company’s outage map, and local weather coverage.
Outage overview: who was affected and where
Authorities reported that more than 7,500 Duke Energy customers statewide experienced outages due to the storm line. Of those, roughly 4,000 outages were concentrated in the Charlotte metro area, underscoring how clustered the impact was in North Carolina’s largest city.
Beyond Charlotte, the storm disrupted service in south Charlotte and Shelby. Montibello alone reported at least 1,000 customers without power.
Duke Energy provided a restoration estimate of 6 p.m. for Montibello. Crews conducted immediate repairs and damage assessments across the affected regions.
The utility described the cause of the outages as unknown at the outset. A rapid assessment was launched to identify damage to lines, poles, and substations.
The company’s outage map remained the primary resource for customers to monitor progress. Local television partners, including WCNC, tracked the storm’s path and provided live information on outages and safety considerations for residents.
Hotspots to monitor
- Charlotte area concentrations, including central and south suburbs
- Montibello and surrounding neighborhoods with power restoration timelines
- Shelby and other parts of the southern Piedmont region
How to report outages and stay informed
Residents who experience a power failure were urged to report the outage through Duke Energy’s website. Customers were also encouraged to consult the company’s online outage map.
Real-time reporting helps utilities prioritize crew deployment and restoration work, especially in dense urban areas. In addition to reporting outages, viewers and listeners in the affected areas can stream WCNC for continuous weather and outage coverage through the WCNC app.
Updates from Duke Energy and local media will help residents plan around outages and ensure safety in the storm’s wake.
Safety and restoration tips for outage events
- Do not touch downed power lines or attempt to move them. Treat all lines as live until utility personnel declare them safe.
- Keep a flashlight and charged mobile device handy, and disconnect or turn off electrical equipment to prevent surge damage when power returns.
- Use backup power options (generators) only outdoors and away from doors, windows, and vents to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
- Preserve perishables by keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed; use ice or coolers to extend cooling for essential items.
- Monitor the outage map for progress updates and estimated restoration times, understanding these times can shift as crews inspect damage.
Weather context: hazards and what the storm delivered
The Weather Impact Team from WCNC reported a line of strong storms capable of producing damaging winds, heavy rain, and isolated tornadoes traversing North and South Carolina. The combination of powerful gusts and rainfall created widespread outages in certain pockets before crews could restore service.
Residents in affected areas were reminded to remain cautious during the storm’s immediate aftermath. Secondary hazards such as flooded streets or weakened trees and power infrastructure could persist even after power is restored.
Restoration efforts and ongoing coverage
Crews were actively engaged in repairs and damage assessments. Restoration work was prioritized based on safety, accessibility, and the number of affected customers.
While Duke Energy provided an initial 6 p.m. restoration estimate for Montibello, officials noted that times could shift as new information became available. Crews continued inspections throughout the day.
Regular updates continued through the outage map and local media outlets, including WCNC. These updates helped ensure residents stayed informed about progress and safety recommendations.
Here is the source article for this story: Thousands across North Carolina without power due to severe storms