Charlotte-based Duke Energy said it is monitoring and preparing for a winter weather system that may cause power outages across the Carolinas this holiday weekend. 

Duke Energy said its meteorologists are tracking a significant winter weather event expected to move through North and South Carolina on Friday morning, bringing wind gusts up to 55 mph and below-freezing temperatures.

Conditions like these also bring a higher risk of widespread power outages across the region, company officials said.

"While there is never a good time to be without power, we recognize that the possibility of outages over the holidays is particularly worrisome for the customers and communities we serve," said Jason Hollifield, Carolinas storm director. 

"Our crews are prepared and will work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power when outages occur."

High winds and saturated ground may lead to downed trees, limbs and power lines. The winds can also impede Duke Energy workers' ability to assess storm damage and restore power, and any outages that occur early Friday could linger into the evening as high wind gusts are forecast throughout the day.

Duke Energy said it encourages customers to have a plan in place to respond to an extended power outage after severe weather. Some tips. 

Before the storm

Create (or update) an emergency supply kit to save valuable time later. The kit should include everything an individual or family would need for at least two weeks, especially medicines, water, nonperishable foods and other supplies that might be hard to find after a storm hits.

Keep a portable radio or TV or a NOAA weather radio on hand to monitor weather forecasts and important information from state and local officials.

Charge cellphones, computers and other electronic devices in advance of storms to stay connected to important safety and response information. Consider purchasing portable chargers and make sure they are fully charged as well.

Maintain a plan to move family members – especially those with special needs – to a safe, alternative location in case an extended power outage occurs, or evacuation is required.

Pet owners should arrange to stay at evacuation shelters that accept pets; friends' or family members' homes; or pet-friendly hotels.

After the storm

Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging. Consider all lines energized, as well as trees, limbs or anything in contact with lines.

If a power line falls across a car that you are in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet.

Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground. 

Outage reporting 

Customers who experience an outage during a storm can report it the following ways:

Visit duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device. 

Use the Duke Energy mobile app. Download the Duke Energy App from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play. 

Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).

Call the automated outage-reporting system, at: 800.POWERON (800.769.3766).

Middleburg Communities said it has closed and plans to begin construction on a 211-unit single family housing community on an approximately 46-acre land parcel in Johns Island, S.C., one of the fastest-growing submarkets in the Charleston Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Middleburg said it plans to leverage its in-house construction capabilities to transform the land into a vibrant neighborhood community offering individuals and families the opportunity to enjoy single-family living without the hassle of property maintenance and upkeep.

The community, to be known as Hamlet Maybank, is a joint venture between Middleburg and Parse Capital (a subsidiary of The Wolff Company).

Hamlet Maybank will be a low-density multifamily development that will feature a mix of detached cottages, duplexes and townhomes.

Middleburg said it plans to commence construction in early-2023, with units coming online beginning mid-2024. Company officials said all homes will feature environmentally friendly designs and private backyards.

The officials said Hamlet Maybank will offer spacious kitchens with islands, granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances, Bluetooth keyless entry, Nest thermostats and large walk-in closets.

The community also will offer residents a freestanding clubhouse and pool, walking paths, tree-lined streets and professional landscaping.

Floorplans will range in size from 785 to 1,694 square feet, with monthly rents starting at $1,930.

Since 2004, Middleburg has acquired and developed more than 22,000 apartment units, executing over $3 billion in transactions.

 Global Sales and Warehousing, a family-run original equipment golf bag manufacturer and distributor, announced plans to establish operations in Orangeburg County.

The company’s $4 million investment will help create 35 jobs, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

A sister company of Golf Sales West (GSW), Global Sales and Warehousing originally was launched to serve GSW’s original equipment golf bag manufacturing customers.

Today, Global Sales and Warehousing also provides industry leading logistics services to supply companies all over the world. 

Located at 2630 Saint Matthews Road in Orangeburg, Global Sales and Warehousing’s Orangeburg facility will import materials to assemble and distribute completed golf bags. 

The company’s operations are currently online. Those interested in joining Global Sales and Warehousing should contact the company via email.

ZELTWANGER LP, a machine technology company, announced plans to expand its operations in Charleston County.

The company’s $12.5 million investment will create 24 jobs, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

Headquartered in Germany, ZELTWANGER LP is a leading manufacturing service provider for complex and precise machine parts worldwide.

The company assembles and manufactures machine products and serves a wide portfolio of applications including plant engineering, automotive, e-mobility, medical technology, automation technology, the packaging industry and the aerospace industry.

Relocating within the county to 9551 Palmetto Commerce Parkway in North Charleston, ZELTWANGER LP’s new facility will accommodate additional production due to increased demand in the Charleston area, Commerce officials said.

The expansion is expected to be complete by the first half of 2023. Those interested in joining ZELTWANGER LP should go to the company’s careers page.