Duke Energy mobilizes crews as Isaias nears the Carolinas

Joe Huff, the company’s storm director, identified high-speed wind gusts as the primary threat to electrical infrastructure. These gusts risk downing trees and utility poles, which would complicate repair efforts. Crews are currently staged to deploy to the hardest-hit areas, though field operations face strict safety limits; bucket trucks remain grounded once wind speeds reach 30 mph or higher.

While Duke Energy has recently deployed self-healing grid technology and transitioned some vulnerable lines underground, the company warns that significant weather events can still result in extended service interruptions. Residents should secure emergency kits, confirm account information on the utility’s mobile app, and prepare for potential delays in restoration caused by blocked roads or hazardous travel conditions.