Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative is closely monitoring the approach of Tropical Cyclone 16 and preparing for potential impacts as it treks northwestward toward North Carolina.

Forecasts show the potential for tropical storm force winds winds, heavy rain, and isolated tornadoes throughout CCEC’s service territory. The combination of these weather conditions can result in flash floods and downed trees and limbs, bringing both safety concerns and potential outages to our service area.

“CCEC trains and prepares year-round for the impact of severe weather,” said Melissa Glenn, communications director for CCEC, which provides energy to more than 42,000 members in Carteret, Craven, Jones and Onslow counties. “Any time a tropical system is forecasted to impact our area, our folks move from preparation to action. This storm is no different. Our trucks are fueled. Our materials are stocked. Our equipment is tested. Our line crews are prepped, in place and ready to respond.”

Should outages occur, CCEC crews will begin assessing damage and restoring service as soon as it is safe for them to do so. If additional assistance is needed to restore power, cooperatives rely on a widespread network of peer cooperatives across the state and nation for support.

“Just like we ensure our teams are prepped and ready, we urge our members to do the same,” said Glenn. “Now is the time to make a plan, assemble an emergency kit and follow instructions of local officials.”

Track outages and restoration times at the co-op’s outage map: http://outage.carteretcraven.coop/. For storm tips for all types of severe weather, including preparation check lists, food safety information, scam awareness and more, visit https://ncstormcenter.coop/CCEC.