⚡️ Power Outage Summary and Current Status
Utility companies reported scattered outages early Sunday morning as temperatures plummeted and winds picked up. The initial outages, affecting hundreds of customers across the Asheville area, Henderson, Haywood, and Macon counties, have been largely resolved due to the quick response of utility workers.
Latest Outage Status (Approx. 11:00 a.m. EST):
Buncombe County (Asheville Area): The highest number of remaining outages is reported here, with approximately 185 customers without power.
Henderson County: Only a handful of customers remain affected, with reports of fewer than 10 outages.
Haywood County: Power has been fully restored for Haywood Electric Membership Corp. customers.
Region-Wide: Overall, outages have dropped dramatically, but the ongoing high winds maintain the risk of renewed power disruptions.
🥶 Cold and Wind Conditions Persist
The primary concern for the remainder of Sunday is the bitter combination of low temperatures and strong, persistent winds. This is creating dangerously low Wind Chill values that significantly increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
Current Weather Threat:
Temperatures: Highs will struggle to climb out of the 20s in many areas, with temperatures falling throughout the day as the arctic air entrenches itself.
Wind Chill: With strong gusts, the wind chill factor is making it feel like 5°F to 12°F across much of WNC.
Winds: North to Northwest winds are the main driver, with gusts expected to occasionally exceed 40 mph throughout the afternoon.
⏱️ Wind Forecast Timeline:
This Afternoon/Evening (Sunday): The strong winds are expected to continue throughout the day, gradually decreasing in speed as the evening goes on.
Tonight (Sunday Night): The wind will become less severe, with sustained speeds generally falling to 10 - 20 mph in the Asheville area and 5 - 10 mph in Haywood County after midnight.
Monday: The wind is forecasted to drop significantly, with light and variable winds returning to the region, providing a calmer day.
🛡️ WNC Preparedness: Safety Actions for Cold & Power
Residents are urged to take proactive steps now to ensure safety against the cold, wind, and the potential for renewed power disruptions today.
Protecting Yourself and Your Family:
Dress in layers: Wear warm, loose-fitting layers and cover exposed skin. Wear a hat and use a scarf to cover your mouth to protect your lungs from cold air.
Watch for signs of cold-related illness: Be vigilant for frostbite (loss of feeling, pale skin) and hypothermia (uncontrollable shivering, confusion, slurred speech). Seek immediate medical help if symptoms appear.
Limit time outdoors: Stay inside if possible to avoid the dangerous wind chill.
Check on neighbors: Check on the elderly, those with medical conditions, and anyone who may be vulnerable to the extreme cold.
Home and Utility Preparedness:
Have an emergency kit ready:
Flashlights and plenty of extra batteries.
A battery-powered radio for news and weather updates.
Non-perishable food and water (at least a 3-day supply).
Blankets and warm sleeping bags.
Protect pipes: Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate, especially to pipes near outside walls. Let a faucet drip slowly to prevent freezing.
Use heat safely: Never use outdoor heating devices (like grills or propane heaters) indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Ensure chimneys and heating systems have been recently inspected.
Charge devices: Fully charge cell phones, laptops, and any medical devices now, in case of a power interruption.
Downed lines: Treat any downed power line as live, stay at least 35 feet away, and report it immediately to the utility company.
For specific updates on outages and local restoration times, please check the outage maps for Duke Energy and Haywood Electric Membership Corp
WNCTimes