UPDATE: POWER RESTORED
Power has been fully restored to all previously affected areas of McDowell County.
As a result, the cooling station at the McDowell Senior Center is now closed.
McDowell County Emergency Management appreciates the hard work of Duke Energy, Rutherford Electric Membership Corporation, first responders, county staff, and our community for their patience and cooperation throughout today's outage.
UPDATE: Power has been restored throughout parts of the Woodlawn and Hankins areas. Utility crews continue working to restore service to the remaining affected areas. There is still no estimated time for full restoration. The cooling station at the McDowell Senior Center remains open and will continue operating until power has been restored to all affected areas. We appreciate everyone's patience as crews continue their work.
POWER OUTAGE / COOLING STATION OPEN
McDowell County Emergency Management is aware of the widespread power outage affecting portions of the county.
We have been in contact with Duke Energy and Rutherford Electric Membership Corporation (REA). We have been advised that three REA substations have lost their power feed from Duke Energy. At this time, there is no estimated time for power restoration.
Due to the extreme heat, a cooling station is now open at the McDowell Senior Center, 100 Spaulding Road, Marion, NC 28752. The cooling station will remain open until power has been restored.
The cooling station is available for anyone needing a safe, air-conditioned place to cool down, charge cell phones and other essential electronic devices, and access drinking water. Residents who need transportation to the cooling station may call McDowell County Emergency Management at 828-652-3241 for assistance.
Residents who rely on electrically powered medical equipment, including oxygen concentrators, should be aware that the cooling station is available if needed. Anyone experiencing a medical emergency should call 911 immediately.
Please stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity, and check on elderly neighbors, family members, and anyone with medical conditions who may be affected by the heat.
Any changes to the status of the cooling station, as well as updates on the power outage, will be shared through Nixle and the McDowell County Emergency Management social media platforms.
