GREENSBORO, N.C. — From Hurricanes Florence and Michael, to last month's huge snow storm - we've seen a lot of Duke Energy trucks lately. They set up in parking lots all across the Triad, ready to respond at a moment's notice.
However, representatives with Duke Energy say at this point, their linemen are not on standby for the weather event, but they are available should the chance for ice increase.
Crews start to line up when a quarter inch or more of ice is predicted. They'll gather just like they did for those major hurricanes, and snow storm. That's because tree limbs will start to break, bringing down power lines and poles when that much ice accumulates.
"Ice and snow can cause damage to our system," said Meghan Miles, a spokesperson for the company, "When we have snow, it has to be a large accumulation of wet heavy snow, and we are not seeing that in the forecast at this point. But it's always a good idea to be prepared. And we have crews ready and available to respond if needed."
One hundred and twenty Greensboro field operations employees will start their 24 hour operation Saturday afternoon, but they start pre-treating the roads Friday night.
"We are hoping from that standpoint that folks just by virtue of the timing are not going to be out on the roadways which will make it safer for them and for us," said Mike Mabe, with the city, "But again, if they have to be out, just know that it may look wet, but in reality there's a good chance that it is ice."