700,000+ Duke Energy customers without power in the Carolinas after Helene

CHARLOTTE, N.C. ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) — As Helene barreled its way through the Carolinas late last week, thousands of Duke Energy customers remained without power on Monday.

As of Monday afternoon, Sept. 30, Duke Energy reports nearly 760,000 customers do not have power in North and South Carolina with more than 16,000 active outages.

Dozens of North Carolina communities are without power and don’t have any idea when it’ll come back more than 48 hours after Helene made its way through our area.

Kings Mountain is one of them.

“It’s been out for the last two and a half days now,” said Michael Grant.

That’s how long many people in Kings Mountain and surrounding areas have been without power, following the catastrophic storm that ripped through the Carolinas.

“Right below our house the trees are snapped like twigs,” said Grant.

Riding around the area Sunday afternoon, every stop light our crews came across was out and the streets were almost empty. Some of those who have ventured out made their way to 238 Cherokee Grill.

Inside the restaurant it might look dark, but outside it’s a different story.

“Just trying to kind of give back to the community,” said Brooke Edmonson, a manager of the restaurant. “Trying to not let our product go to waste.”

Cooks are serving up what they can until they run out since most restaurants and grocery stores nearby are closed.

“Nothing in Kings Mountain is open, so they’re having to go to Shelby or Gastonia or farther than that,” said Edmonson.

People who live nearby are grateful for the food.

“I just needed a hamburger,” said Grant. “I’m tired of eating popcorn right now.”

They’re also grateful that a power outage and some downed trees are the extent of the damage.

“Pray for the mountains,” said Britney Graves, a manager of 238 Cherokee Grill. “We all have family up there and it’s just a lot just trying to get in contact with all of them.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.