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