A powerful winter storm hitting North Carolina's central region left nearly 350,000 residents' power knocked out.
Duke Power officials and reps from various state electricity co-ops believe most heat and lighting will be back by the end of Friday, according to a report by the Associated Press.
In the Statesville, Salisbury and Chapel Hill regions, a reported 50,000 co-op clients were without power.
Almost 300,000 customers experienced the biggest issues around Asheboro, Greensboro and Burlington - by midmorning Friday, their power had largely been wiped out from the high winds, sleet and icy conditions.
Flood and winter storm warnings were issued for certain counties in the southern state, ABC's local station in Durham reported. The National Weather Service also released a wind advisory for the entire region of central North Carolina until 6 p.m., Friday.
Department of Public Safety Secretary Frank L. Perry warned citizens to watch out for downed power lines and debris.
"Reduce your speed on the slushy and icy roads," Perry stated. "Beware of flooding, as well as fallen limbs and trees."
Snow and freezing rain pounded the central region on Thursday, causing cancellations of most school days in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro district.
Morris Grove Elementary, Carrboro Elementary, Smith Middle, Chapel Hill High schools and Seawell Elementary all shut their doors early on Friday due to power outages.
Meteorologist Don Schwenneker of ABC 11 said the heavy winds, which are raging through the area at speeds of up to 40 mph, are the main contributing factor to the power outages.
Friday's storm will give way to far more desirable weather on Saturday - as the winds and rain move eastward, temperatures will soar into the 60s, with lots of sunny skies.
