Duke Energy prepares for Isaias' rain and wind, encourages customers in SC Upstate and NC mountains to get ready

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy is preparing to respond to potential damage and power outages in the Carolinas caused by the remnants of Hurricane Isaias.

What to watch

• While forecasts show Isaias' path will remain west of the Carolinas, the eastern edge of the storm system could deliver rain and wind gusts across North Carolina and South Carolina on Saturday and Sunday.

• The biggest risk for power outages impacting Duke Energy customers is in the western half of the Carolinas, especially across the North Carolina mountains and South Carolina's Upstate.

• Duke Energy lineworkers and support teams are checking equipment and preparing materials needed to make repairs and restore power.

• Crews across the Carolinas are also preparing to move to the hardest-hit areas.

Our view
Joe Huff, Duke Energy storm director:

• "We're monitoring conditions closely and getting our crews and equipment ready to respond as soon as it's safe."

• "Among our biggest concerns are the strong wind gusts expected in the western half of the Carolinas. They can bring down trees and power poles and slow restoration efforts."

• "We encourage customers to prepare now, stay informed of the weather forecast and always avoid downed power lines."

What customers should do now

• Make a plan and prepare an emergency kit: Charge phones, gather flashlights and extra batteries, and review other critical actions.

• Download or update the Duke Energy app: Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

• Confirm Duke Energy account login info: Log in via My Account or mobile app to review and update contact info and communications preferences.

• Sign up for outage alerts: Receive outage information and restoration updates by text, phone or email.

• Know how to report an outage: Submit reports online, via mobile app, by texting OUT to 57801 or by calling 800.POWERON (800.769.3766).

What customers should expect

• Safety first: Stay away from downed power lines and storm debris, and use generators safely.

• Grid improvements help speed restoration: Duke Energy has upgraded poles and wires, placed outage-prone lines underground and added smart, self-healing technology that can reroute power automatically – helping reduce the number and length of outages.

• Outages still possible: Severe weather can cause extended outages, even with these improvements in place.

• Restoration takes time: Crews will begin assessing damage and restoring power as soon as it's safe. In some areas, blocked roads, hidden damage or hazardous travel may delay restoration.

• Crew safety: Crews cannot work from bucket trucks when winds reach 30 mph or higher, which may slow restoration in some areas.

More information

• X: @DukeEnergy, @DukeEnergyNC and @DukeEnergySC

• Facebook: facebook.com/DukeEnergy

• Instagram: instagram.com/Duke_Energy

• Current outages: duke-energy.com/OutageMap

• Storm tips: duke-energy.com/StormTips

Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,700 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an energy modernization strategy, keeping customer value at the forefront as it invests in electric grid upgrades and efficient generation resources to strengthen the system and serve growing energy needs.

More information is available at duke-energy.com. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for stories about the people and innovations powering its communities.

24-Hour: 800.559.3853

SOURCE Duke Energy