Power outages impact High Country after Saturday morning storms

Last Updated on May 19, 2025 11:19 am

Several power outages impacted portions of Watauga County & the High Country on Saturday morning.

The outages were caused by lightning, heavy rains, and downed trees, according to Renee Walker with Blue Ridge Energy.

Watauga

1. Number of outages: 19
2. Total number of members affected: 727
3. Time outages began: 03:40:05 AM on 5/17/2025
4. Time outages ended: Ongoing – Number of members still off: 81
5. Longest duration: 6hr(s) 34 min(s)
6. Causes: Lightning, Heavy Rains, Downed Trees
7. Areas affected: Widespread

Ashe

1. Number of outages: 7
2. Total number of members affected: 263
3. Time outages began: 03:50:35 AM on 5/17/2025
4. Time outages ended: Ongoing – Number of members still off: 162
5. Longest duration: 5hr(s) 1 min(s)
6. Causes: Lightning, Heavy Rains, Downed Trees
7. Areas affected: Widespread

Alleghany

1. Number of outages: 3
2. Total number of members affected: 79
3. Time outages began: 03:43:23 AM on 5/17/2025
4. Time outages ended: 12:00:04 PM on 5/17/2025
5. Longest duration: 6hr(s) 42 min(s)
6. Causes: Lightning, Heavy Rains, Downed Trees
7. Areas affected: Sparta, Ellis 

Caldwell

1. Number of outages: 14
2. Total number of members affected: 107
3. Time outages began: 04:21:04 AM on 5/17/2025
4. Time outages ended: Ongoing – Number of members still off: 3
5. Longest duration: 7hr(s) 22 min(s)
6. Causes: Lightning, Heavy Rains, Downed Trees
7. Areas affected: Widespread