Imagine waking up to a freezing home in the midst of an arctic cold snap—a nightmare scenario that over 1,000 Duke Energy customers in Covington, Kentucky, faced early Sunday morning. With temperatures plummeting to near-record lows, the loss of power wasn’t just an inconvenience; it was a serious safety concern. But here’s where it gets even more critical: What would you do if this happened to you? Let’s dive into the details and equip you with the knowledge to stay safe.
The outages primarily hit the Peaselburg area in central Covington, stretching from West 15th Street southeast across West 19th Street down to nearly West 26th Street. Fortunately, power was restored by around 8:45 a.m., but not before residents endured hours of biting cold. Meanwhile, in Clermont County, 88 customers lost power around 1:45 a.m. due to a downed tree and a blown transformer near Regent Road in Union Township. Repairs were expected to be completed by 3:30 p.m., according to Duke Energy’s website.
FOX19 NOW spoke with Duke Energy spokesman John Juech, who assured that crews were working tirelessly to address the issues. “Overall, we are doing well considering the weather,” he said. But with record snowfall from Saturday giving way to arctic cold, Sunday and Monday were declared First Alert Weather Days. A Cold Weather Advisory remained in effect for the entire Tri-State area until 11 a.m. Monday, with temperatures in the single digits and wind chills dipping below zero.
And this is the part most people miss: Even if your power is restored, the cold can still pose significant risks. Duke Energy advises customers to take proactive steps if they lose power in freezing temperatures. Here’s what you need to know:
- Stay Warm Safely: Layer your clothing, close off unused rooms, seal drafts with towels, and use blankets to retain heat.
- Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Only use generators, grills, and similar devices outdoors. Never use your stove or oven to heat your home.
- Keep Devices Charged: Use battery-powered chargers to keep your phones functional.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Stock up on food, water, medicine, and flashlights.
- Stay Clear of Hazards: Avoid downed power lines and check with local authorities to ensure your water is safe.
Controversial Question: With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, is our infrastructure prepared to handle these challenges? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
To stay updated on weather alerts, download the FOX19 NOW First Alert Weather App for iPhone/iPad or Android. If you experience a power outage, report it to Duke Energy via their hotline (Duke Electric: 1-800-543-5599, Duke Gas: 1-800-634-4300) or their Outage website.
Finally, if you spot any errors in our story, help us improve by reporting them here. Got a photo or video of breaking news? Send it our way here with a brief description. Stay safe, stay informed, and let’s weather this storm together. Copyright 2025 WXIX. All rights reserved.
