CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Representatives from Dominion Energy say they are prepared for winter weather-related issues in the Lowcountry and across their South Carolina service area. The utility provider is urging its customers to stay safe and to be prepared for power outages, especially if ice becomes an issue. Winter precipitation can change rapidly. But crews with Dominion Energy are ready to respond no matter the weather or timing. It’s all hands on deck at the utility and crews are stationed throughout the Lowcountry ahead of potential weather impacts, just like they would be for a hurricane. Dominion Energy said even the smallest change in the forecast can mean the difference between rain, sleet, snow, or ice, which means downed powerlines may be inevitable. “There are really two factors when it comes to winter weather that can certainly impact power outages, and primarily it is ice -- ice accumulation -- although we’re seeing less and less of that in this forecast. Ice accumulation can certainly bring down power lines. It only takes a quarter of an inch of ice to damage that overhead infrastructure and bring those lines down. “The other factor as it relates to ice, and/or snow, is trees. Trees and tree limbs across the Lowcountry are the number one reason for power outages across our system,” he added. Dominion Energy said the fastest and most secure way to report or track a power outage is by using the Dominion Energy app. Customers can also report outages by going to dominionenergy.com.