ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — With high winds expected overnight, Duke Energy is on high alert in Western North Carolina as the region faces severe weather with heavy rain and gusty winds.

"We are expecting the winds to drop off a little faster from this storm than last week's, behind the front, most of the winds will be up in front," said Jeff Brooks, a spokesperson with Duke Energy. "That will allow us to get out there and get to restoring power maybe a little sooner."

Residents are advised to have a plan in place in case of power loss.

"If you need electricity for medical needs, make sure you have that plan in place. Where can you go? To a friend's house, to another location," Brooks said. "The likelihood of seeing a down line is higher — if that happens you want to stay away from that line, to call Duke Energy and so we can come out there and safety repair that but keep your family and pets away from it."

Officials said they are prepared if forecasted high winds lead to downed power lines and, therefore, power outages.

WIND DAMAGE AND TORNADOES POSE MAIN THREATS AS COLD FRONT HITS SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN REGION

"Our crews are on alert across the state, and they'll be ready as those outages appear," Brooks said. "This storm front is going to pass across our entire service area — we're keeping our crews local in their communities and be ready to respond there."

Duke Energy has sent out and posted tips for all its customers, so they have a plan in place should they lose power for any period of time.

Before the storm:

• Have a plan ready for what to do if you lose power. Consider keeping a storm emergency supply kit nearby, in case it's needed. A typical kit may include medications, water, nonperishable food, and other supplies that could be hard to find after a storm hits. You can keep the kit accessible year-round for when severe weather strikes.
• Officials also recommend that customers have a plan to relocate family members to nearby safe places, ensure all electronics are fully charged, and keep a portable radio available to monitor weather forecasts.

After the storm:

• Stay away from fallen or sagging power lines. Assume all lines are energized, including trees, branches, or anything touching the lines.
• If a power line falls across the car you're in, remain inside the vehicle. Only exit the car if there's a fire or another immediate life-threatening situation. If you must jump out, try to land on both feet without any part of your body touching the car when your feet hit the ground.

How to report a power outage:

• Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).
• Call the automated outage-reporting system at: 800. POWERON (800.769.3766).