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Winter Storm Fern Updates

Customer Service Centers Closed

SMECO’s Customer Service locations will be remain closed through Tuesday, January 27, because of inclement weather. Our members are still able to manage their accounts from the safety of their homes using Account Manager, the SMECO 24/7 app, or by calling 888-440-3311 to speak with a customer service representative.

❄️⚡️ Winter Storm Fern Outage Update—January 26, 2026, 8:40 a.m.

Impacts from Winter Storm Fern have fortunately been lower in Southern Maryland than anticipated; however, we remain prepared for additional outages. Temperatures have stayed below freezing, preventing any ice accumulation on lines and infrastructure from melting. Combined with forecasted wind gusts of up to 30 mph this afternoon, your cooperative remains on alert for potential additional outages. As of 8 a.m., crews have restored power to more than 2,600 members since the storm began.

⚡ Number of active outages: 5

🏠 Number of customers out: 12

⏰ Estimated time of restoration (ETR): During major storm events or other times when there is a high volume of outages, the ETR may not immediately be available when the outage is reported. If an ETR is available, you will automatically receive a text message with that information. You can also visit our outage map to view the number of outages and the ETR for your area. 

📱 Outage map: https://outagemap.smeco.coop

Report an outage:

❄️⚡️ Winter Storm Fern Outage Update—January 25, 2026, 8:20 p.m.

Outages have been minimal today. We are seeing some ice accumulation, which may cause an increase in outages. High winds combined with the ice tomorrow may also cause outages. SMECO, multiple contractor teams, and an additional crew from Wild Rice Electric Cooperative (MN) are on hand to restore service as quickly and safely as possible.

⚡ Number of active outages: 22

🏠 Number of customers out: 215

⏰ Estimated time of restoration (ETR): During major storm events or other times when there is a high volume of outages, the ETR may not immediately be available when the outage is reported. If an ETR is available, you will automatically receive a text message with that information. You can also visit our outage map to view the number of outages and the ETR for your area. 

📱 Outage map: https://outagemap.smeco.coop

Report an outage:

Customer Service Centers Closed

SMECO’s Customer Service locations will be closed Monday, January 26 because of inclement weather. Our members are still able to manage their accounts from the safety of their homes using Account Manager, the SMECO 24/7 app, or by calling 888-440-3311 to speak with a customer service representative.

Warming Centers

Charles County

St. Mary’s County

Through Tuesday, January 27

  • Charlotte Hall Library
    37600 New Market Road, Charlotte Hall
    9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Thursday)
    9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Friday – Saturday)
  • Garvey Senior Activity Center
    23630 Hayden Farm Lane, Leonardtown
    8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Thursday)
    8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Friday)
  • Leonardtown Library
    23630 Hayden Farm Lane, Leonardtown
    9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Thursday)
    9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Friday – Saturday)
  • Lexington Park Library
    21677 FDR Blvd, Lexington Park
    9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Thursday)
    9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Friday – Saturday)
    1 p.m. – 5 p.m. (Sunday)
  • Loffler Senior Activity Center
    21905 Chancellor’s Run Road, Great Mills
    8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday – Friday)
  • Northern Senior Activity Center
    29655 Charlotte Hall Road, Charlotte Hall
    8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday – Friday)
  • St. Mary’s Caring Soup Kitchen
    20331 Point Lookout Road, Great Mills
    8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Friday)
    8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Saturday)
  • Three Oaks Center
    46905 Lei Drive, Lexington Park
    8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday – Friday)

News Release – Prepare for Weather-Related Outages

Southern Maryland faces potential heavy snow, high winds, and ice this weekend. Area residents are urged to take steps to prepare for possible weather-related power outages. SMECO is monitoring weather forecasts, and cooperative crews are prepared to restore power if outages occur.

Read the Release