Widespread power outages are expected along much of the east coast including eastern North Carolina. Some areas of the Tideland service territory may experience blizzard conditions with snowfall up to 10 inches and sustained winds between 25 and 40 miles per hour. Winds will be highest in Hyde and Dare counties.

While forecasters do not anticipate ice accumulation east of Swan Quarter, dangerous ice accumulations are most likely to occur between New Bern and Belhaven. Ice accumulation on power lines along with sustained winds can lead to galloping lines, a phenomenon for which there is little remedy other than manually beating the ice off the lines when and where possible.

In addition to all Tideland EMC personnel, the co-op has brought in fifteen additional contract linemen and ten tree trimmers to assist in power restoration as needed. Because storm conditions are expected to peak between midnight and 6 am Thursday, it is possible crews may not be able to respond to power outages until daybreak or when roads are deemed safe enough for travel. Consumers are asked to plan for the possibility of extended outages throughout the day Thursday and into Friday. 

If power does go out, consumers are asked to practice breaker shut off by cutting off all but one breaker for interior lights. When power is restored, breakers should be cut back on one at a time to help prevent utility system overloads.