Here’s what the Rock Hill area needs to know if the power goes out

It can be tough to find emergency contact information once the power goes out, and power outages that start this weekend could last several days. So, here it is, all in one place.

The Herald compiled key information that more than 200,000 power customers across four utility providers should know ahead of a winter storm forecast to start Saturday. A wintry mix and freezing temperatures are expected from midday Saturday to Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

The three-county Rock Hill region gets power from Duke Energy, York Electric Cooperative, the city of Rock Hill and Lynches River Electric Cooperative. Here’s the information on each of them to keep handy ahead of the storm:

Duke Energy

Duke Energy has about 93,000 customers in York, Lancaster and Chester counties.

The Charlotte-based company has more than 18,000 workers from 27 states and Canada ready to respond to the storm across its coverage area. The company anticipates power outages that could last days in some areas.

“Freezing rain is going to be our enemy over the days ahead,” said company Storm Director Rick Canavan. “It will build up on tree branches until the weight causes them to break — bringing down power lines and poles. The freezing rain and ice will also make roads extremely difficult for our crews to navigate, slowing power restoration efforts.”

Customers can report outages using an online form, through the Duke Energy app, by texting OUT to 57801 or by calling 800-769-3766. The company will post general updates on its Facebook page.

View the Duke Energy outage map here.

York Electric Cooperative

York Electric Cooperative serves 70,540 customers in York, Lancaster and Chester counties. Nearly 90% of them are in York County. York Electric posts updates on its Facebook page, including a recent one saying members should prepare for extended power outages.

But, if there’s an outage, York Electric asks members not to use social media to report them. Members can sign in to their portals, text 352667 from a number on file in the portal, use the York Electric app or call 866-374‑1234.

“We’ve secured contractor crews, including tree crews, and requested mutual aid to help with power restorations should severe outages occur,” York Electric posted to its Facebook page.

View the York Electric outage map here.

City of Rock Hill

In Rock Hill, the city serves 40,961 customers with its own power service. Updates on power outages will post to the city’s main webpage and social media accounts, like the city Facebook page.

Customers looking to report power outages can do so using an online outage report form or by calling 803-329-5500. Customers also can sign up online to receive outage updates by text.

Utility crews began brining roads on Thursday and have been working steadily in preparation for the storm.

“This includes stocking trucks and getting chainsaws ready, inspecting substations, and testing generators at critical facilities,” the city posted Friday on its Facebook page. “This evening, line crews from Florida will arrive to assist where needed.”

View the Rock Hill outage map here.

Lynches River Electric Cooperative

Lynches River Electric Cooperative serves 7,591 customers in Lancaster County, mostly in the southern and eastern areas.

Customers can submit power outage information using their SmartHub accounts. They also can call or text OUT to 866-320-3119.

View the Lynches River outage map here.