Carolina Snowstorm Compounds Power Outages Across the U.S.
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A winter storm blanketed the Carolinas in snow Thursday, while frigid temperatures exacerbated existing power outages in several other states.
- Heavy snowfall impacted travel and daily life across North and South Carolina.
- Thousands of customers experienced power outages due to the storm and cold weather.
- Other states, including Tennessee and Kentucky, continued to grapple with widespread outages.
- Officials urged residents to take precautions against the cold and conserve energy.
The Carolinas are digging out from under a layer of snow as a powerful winter storm moved through the region Thursday,February 1,2026. The storm brought significant snowfall, disrupting travel and daily routines for residents.Power Outages – Thousands of customers are without power as temperatures plummet.
Snowfall and Travel Disruptions
North Carolina experienced significant snowfall, particularly in the western part of the state.Travel was severely impacted,with road closures and hazardous driving conditions reported throughout the region. South Carolina also saw substantial snowfall, leading to similar disruptions. The North Carolina Department of Transportation reported numerous roads were impassable due to snow and ice.
The cold temperatures accompanying the storm are compounding the challenges. Freezing rain and ice accumulation added to the hazards, making it arduous for utility crews to restore power. Officials are urging residents to avoid needless travel and to exercise extreme caution if they must venture out.
Widespread Power Outages
As of Thursday afternoon, over 47,000 customers in North Carolina were without power, according to Duke Energy. in South Carolina, more than 18,000 customers were affected by outages. The outages are attributed to a combination of heavy snow, ice accumulation, and strong winds. Utility companies are working to restore power as quickly as possible, but the challenging conditions are slowing down their efforts.
Outages Extend Beyond the Carolinas
The power outage situation isn’t limited to the Carolinas. Tennessee and kentucky are still dealing with the aftermath of previous winter storms, with tens of thousands of customers remaining without electricity.The prolonged outages are raising concerns about the well-being of residents,particularly the elderly and those with medical conditions.Emergency shelters have been opened in some areas to provide warmth and assistance to those affected.
Officials are emphasizing the importance of conserving energy to help alleviate the strain on the power grid. Residents are encouraged to lower their thermostats, unplug unnecessary appliances, and avoid using energy-intensive devices.The combination of the ongoing storm and the existing outages is creating a challenging situation for utilities and residents alike.
Preparing for the Cold
Authorities are urging residents to take precautions against the cold.This includes dressing in layers, staying indoors as much as possible, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. It’s also crucial to have a supply of non-perishable food, water, and essential medications on hand. The National Weather Service is continuing to monitor the situation and provide updates as the storm progresses.
The storm is expected to move out of the region Friday, but the cold temperatures are expected to linger. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and to take necessary precautions to stay safe and warm.
