Staging Duke Energy workers

More than 10,000 Duke Energy line workers, tree trimmers and other storm support personnel are being strategically staged by the utility, ahead of Helene’s entry into the Carolinas.  Duke recommends customers prepare for the severe rain and tropical-storm-force gusts that could lead to power outages.  Everyone should always stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging — and consider all lines energized, as well as trees, limbs, fences or anything in contact with lines.  Downed lines are hard to see in the rain and standing water. Duke is moving water through its river system and lowering lake levels in the Carolinas.  Flooding, however, is still possible due to unpredictable rainfall amounts.