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Power outages in the Midlands more than double to 50,000 during winter storm

Thousands of power outages were reported across South Carolina Sunday morning as a winter storm moved across the state.

The number of customers left in the dark is expected to rise as weather conditions put a target on more power lines.

Freezing rain and strong winds are affecting large swaths of South Carolina, including the Midlands. The weather effects likely caused the 100,353 outages in the Palmetto State reported by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division as of 11:50 a.m.

Dominion Energy said 9,680 customers were without power, including 9,586 in the Columbia/Lexington area.

Another 44,503 outages were reported by the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, with 24,091 occurring in the Midlands.

Of the 46,978 outages reported in South Carolina by Duke Energy, 16,261 were in or near the Midlands region.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division has warnings about downed power lines.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division has warnings about downed power lines.

Information when customers will have power restored was not available, but it won’t be easy to do with a winter weather advisory in effect through 4 p.m. Freezing rain is expected to continue accumulating, and wind gusts up to 30 mph are possible in the Columbia area, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

Both the ice and the wind will cause considerable damage to trees and branches, creating the likelihood of more downed power lines and further outages.

“Treat all utility lines that have fallen on the ground as energized and very dangerous,” the South Carolina Emergency Management Division said. “NEVER touch a downed powerline.”

Should there be a power outage, the S.C. Emergency Management Division issued some warnings about attempts to stay warm:

Don’t use your stove for warmth.

Kerosene heaters need proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Use your fireplace if it’s been checked by a professional and is secure to prevent any embers from starting a fire in your home.

If you are able to run one, keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything and never cover them.

South Carolina residents are also encouraged to have a flashlight and extra batteries, and to keep cellphones and mobile devices charged in case the power goes out.

To report an outage, customers can go online or call:

Dominion 888-333-4465

Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina 803-796-6060

Santee Cooper 888-769-7688

Duke 800-769-3766

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

Strong winds and ice could cause power outages in South Carolina.
Strong winds and ice could cause power outages in South Carolina.