REMC Repairs Damage from Winter Winds

Updated Friday, December 23, 2022, 7:45 pm

REMC Completes Restoration from Winter Storm Elliott's Damage

By Friday evening at 7:22 pm, REMC crews had restored power to all members following damage resulting from the impacts of Winter Storm Elliott. The artic storm created outages across REMC's five-county service area, triggering dramatic temperature drops and wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour.

A total of 3,340 members lost power from trees that fell on power lines or broke poles. The first outage occurred at 6:05 am. Despite the harsh, frigid conditions, REMC crew worked all day to repair damage caused by saturated ground conditions coupled with strong winds. 

With below-freezing temperatures over the holiday weekend, REMC advises all members to pay attention to severe weather reports, maintain their emergency kits and report any downed power lines to REMC immediately.

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Friday, December 23, 2022, 2 pm

REMC Repairs Damage from Winter Winds

On Friday morning, December 23, REMC crews responded to outages caused by saturated ground conditions coupled with strong winds. As a cold front moves through REMC's five-county service territory, line workers will continue to respond to scattered outages.

Wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour have caused trees to fall on power lines. Crews also continue to repair broken poles.

At the height of the storm around 10:50 am, over 2,200 REMC members were without power. By 1:30 pm, 472 members were without power in all 5 counties of the service area. 

Forecasters expect high winds to linger throughout the day, with below-freezing temperatures for the holiday weekend. REMC encourages members to stay tuned for further information through our communication channels.

How to Report Outages

Members who experience a power outage should report it by calling 1-877-736-2633 (1-877-REMC-OFF). Members who have enrolled in REMC’s SPOTT (Status of Power Outages Through Texts) Alerts Outage Texting program may also text OUT to this number to report an outage at their location. These members should note that outage status updates will be unavailable during major storm outage restoration efforts.

You can learn more about SPOTT alerts here.

Stay Away from Downed Power Lines

In the event of downed or low-hanging power lines, the public should exercise extreme caution. Damaged lines can still carry electric current and cause serious injury or death.  Stay away from downed lines and contact REMC immediately. Additionally, drivers should slow down and give utility crews and emergency responders on the side of the road plenty of room to maneuver in their work area. 

Follow REMC's Response

Throughout the duration of the storm, Randolph EMC offers several options for keeping members informed:

  • Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
  • View our online outage map
  • Find the latest press releases, alerts and preparedness tips right here on our website.
  • Tune in to local TV and radio stations for the latest updates.

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Thursday, December 22, 2022

Randolph EMC is closely monitoring weather conditions and is prepared to respond quickly if power outages occur from the approaching winter storm. Randolph Electric serves approximately 33,000 homes, businesses, farms and schools in Randolph, Moore, Montgomery, Chatham, and Alamance Counties.

Tips for Preparing

Remember the 3 Bs

Basics: Make sure you have enough bottled water to last up to three days in case you experience an outage. Stock your car and house with weather appropriate gear, clothes and blankets. Store food that your family can consume in case you do not have the ability to cook. Make accommodations for pets and livestock.

Batteries: Keep your phones charged and make sure your flashlights have fresh batteries. Place batteries in an accessible location that is easy to find in the dark, should you lose power.

Back-up plan: Communicate with loved ones and those with vulnerable health now. Tell them what time to expect you to check in on them in-person or on the phone during the storm. Make plans now about how and where this loved one will go in case he or she loses power.

Assemble an Emergency Kit

Your kit should include the following:

  • Battery-powered radio and flashlights with fresh batteries
  • Extra blankets
  • Water for drinking and washing
  • Non-perishable food and a can opener.
  • First aid kit and prescription medicines.

Don't forget to have emergency supplies in your car, also. You can learn more about storm kits in this video or buy visiting the North Carolina Cooperative Storm Center.

Practice Generator Safety

Members who purchase generators should consult an electrician before installing. Only use generators away from your home and never run a generator inside the home or garage or connect it to your home’s electrical system. Additionally, those with kerosene heaters should exercise caution since these appliances can create a fire and safety hazard. Check out this video to learn more about generator safety.

Report Outages

Members who experience a power outage should report it by calling 1-877-736-2633 (1-877-REMC-OFF). Members who have enrolled in REMC’s SPOTT (Status of Power Outages Through Texts) Alerts Outage Texting program may also text OUT to this number to report an outage at their location. These members should note that outage status updates will be unavailable during major storm outage restoration efforts.

You can learn more about SPOTT alerts here.

Stay Away from Downed Power Lines

In the event of downed or low-hanging power lines, members should exercise extreme caution. Damaged lines can still carry electric current and cause serious injury or death.  Members should stay well away from downed lines and contact REMC immediately.  Additionally, drivers should slow down and give utility crews and emergency responders on the side of the road plenty of room to maneuver in their work area. 

Follow REMC's Response

Throughout the duration of the storm, Randolph EMC offers several options for keeping members informed:

  • Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
  • View our online outage map
  • Find the latest press releases, alerts and preparedness tips right here on our website.
  • Tune in to local TV and radio stations for the latest updates.