Updates: Wind gusts from arctic front could lead to more Upstate SC power outages

Tens of thousands of Duke Energy customers in the Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson area were without power Friday morning just as an arctic front brings sub-freezing temperatures across the region.

As of 11:20 a.m., there were approximately 25,000 customers without power in the Upstate of South Carolina, according to Duke Energy spokesman Ryan Mosier. That figure was down from a peak of 32,000 without power earlier Friday morning.

Power outages were decreasing by Friday afternoon, but with wind gusts continuing and temperatures dropping, Mosier urged Upstate residents to continue to take precautions.

According to the National Weather Service, gusts could reach as high as 24 mph Friday night with a west wind 9 to 14 mph. The low temperature could reach single digits Friday night with wind chill values as low as -3 degrees.

Frigid mountain tempsIt's so cold in Western NC, wind chill temperature at Mt. Mitchell beats its record low

Windy conditions continue into Christmas Eve with gusts as high as 18 mph with a low temperature around 15 degrees Saturday night. The wind chill values could drop as low as -4 degrees Saturday.

A slight warming and less windy trend begins Christmas Day with highs near 37 and lows around 18 degrees.

"It could be a tree on a power line in a backyard, or down a road affecting a neighborhood or affecting a substation. These are the type of issues we're running against and will be throughout the day. The ground being saturated doesn't help," Mosier said.

"And with more high wind, we'll see new outages as well and we'll continue to tackle those as they come in. We're out and about and on the ground. We urge customers to be patient as we move through the day."

Just before 8 a.m., Jeff Brooks, a Duke Energy grid specialist, Tweeted that "90k Duke Energy customers are w/o power as very strong winds pummel NC/SC and combine with saturated ground to topple trees and damage lines. Crews are out working as it is safe to do so to repair around 2K outage locations."

Later Friday morning, Brooks Tweeted "Very strong winds continue to pound NC/SC. Just before 11 am, around 170,000 Duke Energy customers w/o power across both states. Crews are restoring power but high winds are making repairs challenging at most of the 4,600 outage locations."

The number of outages have been declining since Friday morning. As of 5:54 p.m., according to the Duke Energy Outage Map, here are the number of customers without power in the Upstate of South Carolina.

• Anderson County: 1,895 customers

• Greenville County: 552 customers

• Spartanburg County: 58 customers

• Pickens County: 18 customers

• Oconee County: 11 customers

• Cherokee County: 22 customers

According to Duke Energy's website, repairs and assessments are underway in each county.

Duke Energy statement: High winds caused significant outages. Crews working as quickly as possible.

In a statement released Friday morning, Duke Energy said:

"The extreme weather raging across our country, disrupting travel and holiday plans for millions, has also caused significant equipment damage and power outages across the Carolinas. Unfortunately, these conditions, including below-freezing temperatures and possibly slick roads, also make power restoration especially challenging and difficult – and the continuing high winds could even mean additional outages through tomorrow.

"We know that the extreme cold and the effect on holiday gatherings and activities make this storm especially hard on everyone. Please know that our crews are absolutely committed to getting everyone restored as soon as possible."

Brutal cold, iceBlue Ridge Parkway closed in North Carolina ahead of Christmas weekend, brutal cold, ice

Here are a few ways you can stay informed and help their efforts:

⊳If your power is out, turn off appliances and other electrical equipment that were on when the power went out to avoid a sudden surge on the system when power is restored.

⊳If you or a family member have special medical needs, consider alternative arrangements until weather conditions improve.

⊳Remember to report outages by one of these methods: Text OUT to 57801, report online or through the mobile app, or call 1.800.POWER-ON.

⊳If you encounter a downed power line, assume it is energized and stay away. For other important safety tips, visit Duke Energy's Storm Center.

Duke Energy spokesman: Downed trees impacting power across Upstate

At 11:35 a.m., Duke Energy spokesman Ryan Mosier said repairs and assessments are underway in each county.

"We're where we thought we would be from a forecast perspective. The cold front that brought high winds early this morning made a significant impact on vegetation and trees and that's having an impact on electricity service throughout the Upstate," Mosier said.

"The key is to be able to charge your devices so you do have access. It's going to be extremely cold the next few days so everyone should be prepared."

Check back for updates.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Thousands in Upstate SC without power as arctic front begins