Duke Energy crews spent Monday continuing to restore power to homes across Johnston County. Ice accumulations on trees and power lines resulted in nearly 30,000 power outages across Johnston County. As of Monday afternoon, that number was less than 1,600. Officials hope power can be restored to the majority of homes by midnight.
At least one house fire in Johnston County was linked to the winter storm.
A cooking stove accidentally left on when the power went out sparked a house fire on Woodsorrell Court in the Cleveland community Saturday afternoon when electricity was restored to the residence.
The interior of the home sustained extensive damage. A cat and dog died in the fire. Efforts by fire and EMS crews to revive the animals was not successful.
The Red Cross is assisting the family with a place to stay.
The Cleveland, Clayton, 50-210 and Wilson’s Mills Fire Departments responded to the scene along with 50-210 EMS and Johnston County EMS.
Officials caution homeowners that if you lose power, make sure stoves, heaters, and other appliances that could spark a fire are either turned off or unplugged.
The Highway Patrol investigating 147 traffic accidents in Johnston County due to the winter weather, including one fatal accident Friday morning on I-95 just south of Kenly.
Saturday afternoon, this black Mustang collided with a tractor trailer on I-95 near Selma. Even though the accident looked very serious, the occupants in the car walked away with only minor injuries. The accident did force the southbound lanes of the interstate to be closed for an extended period of time.
Photos by JoCoFire.com
