PowerOutageHistory
D

Lenoir County Power Outage History

20142025 · North Carolina

Worse than average — more frequent or longer outages than most counties. How grades are calculated

Total events
420
Avg duration
3.1 hrs
Longest outage
142 hrs
National percentile
40th

Outages by year

Outages by month (seasonality)

Worst outage events on record

DateDurationCustomers affectedCause
Oct 8, 2016142 hrs10,490 (32%)Hurricane Matthew
Dec 24, 202213 hrs9,769 (30%)Strong Wind
Sep 15, 2018114 hrs8,518 (26%)Hurricane Florence
Sep 13, 201826 hrs7,665 (23%)Hurricane Florence
Sep 5, 201925 hrs5,992 (18%)Hurricane Dorian

Over the 12 years from 2014 to 2025, Lenoir County recorded 420 distinct power outage events, averaging 3.1 hours per event.

The single worst outage on record in Lenoir County started October 8, 2016 (Hurricane Matthew), lasting 142 hours and leaving up to 10,490 customers without power (32% of the county) at its peak.

August has historically been the worst month for outages in Lenoir County, with 50 events recorded during that month across the dataset.

Based on this history, Lenoir County earns a Reliability Grade of D, placing it in the 40th percentile nationally for grid reliability (higher percentile = more reliable).

Sized for Lenoir County's outage profile

See more picks in our Best Dual-Fuel Portable Generators for Power Outages roundup.

Outage-prep kit

See our outage-prep guides or the North Carolina storm prep checklist.

Similar counties in North Carolina

Counties with the closest reliability grade and national percentile to Lenoir County.

CountyGradeNational percentile
Onslow CountyD40th
Person CountyD39th
Carteret CountyC40th
Caldwell CountyD39th
Alamance CountyC41st

FAQ

How often does power go out in Lenoir County?

Between 2014 and 2025, Lenoir County recorded 420 outage events, averaging 3.1 hours each.

What is Lenoir County's reliability grade?

Lenoir County has a Reliability Grade of D, in the 40th national percentile.

What was the worst power outage in Lenoir County?

The worst outage on record started October 8, 2016 (Hurricane Matthew), lasting 142 hours and affecting up to 10,490 customers.

Data: ORNL EAGLE-I Recorded Electricity Outages (2014–2025), CC BY 4.0. Storm names: NOAA Storm Events Database. Last data refresh: 2025. See methodology.