Lincoln Electric System is sending staff and vehicles to assist utilities in North Carolina with anticipated power restoration efforts ahead of Winter Storm Fern, which is expected to cause significant ice-related outages across the region.
Two LES line crews, with a total of twelve employees, left Lincoln at 11:00 Friday morning and will travel to Shelby, North Carolina. Utilities in the storm’s projected path are staging workers and equipment and coordinating plans with state and local officials. “Our crews train year-round to be ready for situations like this,” says Paul Crist, vice president of Energy Delivery.
“Traveling ahead of the storm gives us the best chance to reach the area safely and begin restoration work as soon as conditions allow. When people are facing severe weather and potential outages, every minute matters.”
Winter Storm Fern is forecast to deliver destructive ice and heavy snow across 34 states, potentially affecting more than 230 million people. Ice accumulation is a leading cause of power outages, weighing down tree limbs and power lines. Strong winds are also expected to worsen hazardous conditions.
“Public power is built on the principle of neighbors helping neighbors, near and far,” Crist says. “When a community is facing dangerous weather and widespread outages, we step up, just as others have stepped up for us. We’re proud to send our crews where they’re needed and grateful for their willingness to serve.”
It’s not known how long the crews will be in North Carolina.