The National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a high wind advisory for all of Central, NC—which is in effect from 3PM this afternoon to midnight tonight. We will be carefully monitoring this weather system and are prepared for potential power outages. Because Piedmont Electric is located in the communities we serve, restoration crews are always on-site and can begin restoration work quickly. Piedmont Electric members are asked to call us directly at 800.449.2667 to report an outage or call 800.222.3107. Strong, gusty winds are expected this afternoon through midnight. Wind may blow around loose objects and knock down tree branches and limbs. Additionally, with soggy ground conditions from the recent ice storm, winds of this magnitude may also knock down a few trees and potentially power lines. Please exercise caution around downed power lines. To report a downed power line call us at 800.222.3107.
Please adhere the following safety precautions around downed power lines:
- Consider all wires ENERGIZED and dangerous. Even lines that are de-energized could become energized at any time. Observe the minimum approach distance of 10 feet. A live wire touching the ground can cause electricity to travel through the ground, radiating outward from the contact point. STAY CLEAR!
- DO NOT attempt to remove a tree limb or other object from a power line. Electricity can travel through limbs, especially when they are wet. When cleaning up after the storm, make absolutely sure that no power lines are near before cutting or trimming damaged trees and removing debris from your property.
- If a broken power line should fall on your vehicle, stay inside the vehicle. Use your cell phone to call for help. The vehicle can become energized; you are safer remaining inside until help arrives. Metal objects like fences and guardrails can also become energized if a downed power line contacts them. Warn others not to approach or touch the vehicle, and have them call for help.
- If someone makes contact with a downed power line, don’t try to rescue them because you risk becoming a victim yourself. Call 911 for help.
Listed below is the NOAA Advisory:
* TIMING…THIS AFTERNOON AND INTO THE EVENING.
* WINDS… SOUTHWEST WINDS AHEAD OF THE COLD FRONT WILL INCREASE INTO THE 20 TO 25 MPH RANGE BY THE AFTERNOON…WITH FREQUENT GUSTS BETWEEN 35 AND 45 MPH. EQUALLY STRONG NORTHWEST WINDS WILL OCCUR BEHIND THE FRONT DURING THE EVENING AS MUCH COLDER AIR SURGES IN FROM THE NORTHWEST.
* IMPACTS…GUSTY WINDS MAY BLOW AROUND LOOSE OBJECTS AND KNOCK DOWN TREE BRANCHES AND LIMBS. ADDITIONALLY… WITH SOGGY GROUND CONDITIONS FROM RECENT HEAVY RAINS…WINDS OF THESE MAGNITUDE MAY ALSO KNOCK DOWN A FEW TREES.
*PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A WIND ADVISORY MEANS THAT WINDS OF 35 MPH ARE EXPECTED. WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT…ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION.