New River Light and Power (NRLP) is actively monitoring weather forecasts and preparing for potential impacts from Winter Storm Fern, potentially impacting the High Country over the upcoming weekend.
While details such as timing and the type of winter precipitation remain uncertain, forecasts indicate a high likelihood of a winter weather event in the region.
NRLP crews and staff are ready to respond should outages occur. The utility is taking proactive steps to ensure personnel, equipment and response plans are in place to maintain system reliability and restore power as safely and quickly as possible.
NRLP encourages customers to prepare now in case winter weather leads to power outages. Simple steps can help you stay safe and comfortable during cold-weather disruptions.
Recommended winter outage preparation tips include:
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Extra drinking water for household members and pets
- Food items that do not require electricity to prepare
- A NOAA weather radio
- A basic first aid kit
- Plenty of blankets and warm layers of clothing
- Designating a “warm room” and sealing drafty areas to retain heat
Charging phones, medical devices and backup batteries ahead of time
Customers are reminded not to use charcoal or propane grills indoors, as this can create serious safety hazards.
Households that rely on oxygen or other medical equipment requiring electricity should plan ahead. While NRLP prioritizes restoration for medically vulnerable customers whenever possible, restoration times cannot be guaranteed during outages, especially widespread or severe weather events.
Safety remains first, always. Customers should stay away from downed power lines and assume any fallen line is energized. Downed lines should be reported to NRLP at 828-264-3671, or to 911 if there is immediate danger.
NRLP uses Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) to monitor outages in real-time. While customer outage reports are not always required, they are especially important in urgent situations such as a vehicle striking a utility pole, a pole on fire or a downed line.
Customers can check current outage status at nrlp.appstate.edu. NRLP will also share updates regarding major outages and restoration efforts on our social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and X.
NRLP appreciates the community’s cooperation and encourages customers to stay informed and prepared as winter weather approaches.
More outage preparedness tips can be found in the NRLP Resource Center, as well as Ready.gov.