Duke Energy issues press release this afternoon:
- Strong winds Tuesday night and this morning – including gusts up to 80 mph – led to a peak of 30,663 power outages in Indiana
- Approximately 15,500 customers remain without power as of 3 p.m. today
- Company thanks customers for their patience as work continues on scattered, isolated outages
More than 15,000 Duke Energy customers in Indiana remain without electric service following powerful storms late Tuesday night and this morning.
This is down from a high of nearly 31,000 customer outages at 9:15 a.m. today.
“Our crews are working to remove downed trees, replace broken power poles, restring power lines and restore power,” said Howard Fowler, Duke Energy’s storm director. “We’ve made significant progress, and we appreciate our customers’ patience and support as we continue to work as quickly and safely as possible.”
Crews responding to widespread outages
Jackson, Jefferson and Clark counties in Indiana were among the hardest hit. Other areas that suffered significant outages included Lawrence, Orange, Hamilton and Gibson counties. The infrastructure damage, including multiple broken poles and equipment, will involve some lengthy repair work. In some areas, winds gusted between 70 and 80 mph.
“Ongoing wind gusts exceeding 35 mph are hampering restoration efforts in some areas, as high winds make it unsafe for our line technicians to extend the buckets on their service trucks,” Fowler said.
Click here for an infographic that explains how Duke Energy restores power. A short YouTube video also illustrates our process.
Restoration estimates are as follows:
- Northern Indiana: All counties restored by 5 p.m. today.
- Southwest Indiana: for Bedford and Princeton, by midnight Thursday. All other areas have been restored.
- Southeast Indiana: Clarksville, Corydon, Salem and Seymour, all by midnight Thursday. Madison by 9 p.m. Thursday
Outage reporting and status updates
Customers who are without power should report their outage by:
- Texting OUT to 57801 (Standard text and data charges may apply)
- Calling the automated outage reporting system at 800-343-3525
These resources also provide estimated restoration times, when available. The mobile website’s outage map displays all outages in the region.
Safety first
Duke Energy reminds customers to stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging. Consider all power lines energized, as well as trees or limbs in contact with power lines. Report downed power lines to Duke Energy.
If a power line falls across a car you’re in, stay in the car. If you must get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.
Customers should be prepared
Customers should be prepared for the potential of an extended outage. Duke Energy urges customers to:
- Check supplies of flashlights, batteries, bottled water, nonperishable foods, medicines, etc.
- Ensure a portable, battery-operated radio, TV or NOAA weather radio is on hand.
- Avoid heating homes with a gas grill or bringing a generator inside. Such equipment should be operated only outdoors and only in well-ventilated areas. Manufacturer instructions should be followed.
- Check on family members, friends and neighbors who have special medical needs or who are elderly, to ensure they have necessary emergency supplies.
- Determine now what action they would take in the event of an extended power outage.