LINCOLN, Neb. (Jan. 23, 2026) — Lincoln Electric System is deploying staff and vehicles to assist utilities in North Carolina with anticipated power restoration efforts ahead of Winter Storm Fern, which is expected to cause significant ice-related outages across the region.
Two LES line crews — 12 employees in total — will depart at 11 a.m. today from the Walter A. Canney Service Center, 2620 Fairfield St., to travel to Shelby, North Carolina. By leaving ahead of the storm, the crews can travel under safer conditions and be positioned to start restoration work as soon as weather allows. Utilities in the storm's projected path are staging workers and equipment and coordinating plans with state and local officials.
"Our crews train year-round to be ready for situations like this," said Paul Crist, vice president of Energy Delivery. "Traveling ahead of the storm gives us the best chance to reach the area safely and begin restoration work as soon as conditions allow. When people are facing severe weather and potential outages, every minute matters."
Winter Storm Fern is forecast to deliver destructive ice and heavy snow across 34 states, potentially affecting more than 230 million people, according to The Weather Channel. Ice accumulation is a leading cause of power outages, weighing down tree limbs and power lines. Strong winds are also expected to worsen hazardous conditions.
The American Public Power Association is helping to coordinate mutual aid support across the region. APPA represents more than 2,000 community-owned electric utilities nationwide. As a member of APPA's mutual aid network, LES is reimbursed for all costs associated with sending crews, vehicles and equipment — ensuring the support does not impact local electric rates.
LES regularly responds when fellow utilities experience widespread outages that require additional crews. Last March, LES assisted neighboring Nebraska utilities following winter storms. In August, LES received mutual aid when an early morning storm caused the third-largest outage in LES history, affecting more than 38,000 customers.
"Public power is built on the principle of neighbors helping neighbors, near and far," added Crist. "When a community is facing dangerous weather and widespread outages, we step up — just as others have stepped up for us. We're proud to send our crews where they're needed and grateful for their willingness to serve."
Follow LES on social media for updates on mutual aid efforts.