N.C. power outage could last 2 weeks, officials say

July 31 (UPI) -- The Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative said Monday a power outage that's plunged two of North Carolina's barrier islands into darkness -- which also led to the evacuation of thousands -- could last another two weeks.

The blackout is affecting Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island. The CHEC on Monday said two out of three underground transmissions cables sustained damage while a construction company was building a bridge.

The electric cooperative is working to splice the cables back together and to build a new overhead transmission electricity line, officials said.

"The cooperative continues its execution of two simultaneous solutions to restore transmission service. The underground solution is to continue the excavation and de-watering process, digging to greater depths to reach and splice the second damaged cable. Splicing on the first damaged cable is complete," the CHEC said in a statement. "Installation efforts began early this morning on the second solution -- building a new overhead transmission line that will run from the south end of the Bonner Bridge to meet the cooperative's existing overhead transmission line."

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper ordered the Hatteras and Ocracoke islands evacuated Friday night after the construction crew accidentally drove a steel casing through electrical lines powering both islands. Cooper's office said the lack of electricity to air conditioners and refrigeration posed a public health risk.

The CHEC is currently supplying power to the islands with permanent and portable diesel generators. A mandatory evacuation prohibiting visitors remained in effect on Monday and could possibly last until power is restored -- perhaps two weeks away.

The evacuation order comes at the height of the North Carolina Outer Banks tourist season, when thousands flock to the Atlantic Coast islands' sandy beaches.

There are a combined 9,000 homes located on the two islands, many of which are tourist rentals.