The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Southeast North Carolina as a significant winter storm approaches our region. As of the most recent forecasts, our area will experience freezing rain with sleet expected to begin Saturday, January 24, and persist through Sunday. Extremely cold temperatures mean any precipitation will likely freeze quickly, creating icy road conditions.
It is advised that you complete your storm preparations by this evening, remain home until conditions improve, and review the following resources to help you stay safe and informed during the storm. This information is from the most recent briefing from the National Weather Service, but information will likely change as the storm arrives.
(Information used in this newsletter are recommendations and resources from the National Weather Service and/or other official government agenies).
Latest Outlook
Icy Conditions: Avoid Driving
Freezing conditions will make roads dangerous. We encourage you to remain home until road conditions improve. If you plan to drive:
Prepare: Pack blankets, water, and a flashlight. Clear snow off your car before you start driving.
Check: Ensure your gas tank is at least half full.
Drive: Increase your following distance to 8–10 seconds. Reduce your driving speed.
Winter Weather Tips
Shovel Smart
Dress warmly, making sure to cover your head, fingers, and toes;
Stay hydrated, but avoid heavy meals right before or after shoveling;
Move only small amounts of snow with each pass of the shovel;
Take frequent breaks.
Power Outages
Be careful with heat sources; candles and space heaters are a fire risk. Also stay warm by bundling up and keeping doors closed, placing towels in cracks;
Practice portable generator safety; use outdoors, at least 20 feet away from doors/windows/garages to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning;
Check on neighbors; once your family is safe, check on your neighbors to make sure they are OK.
Don't Slip
Walk on treated or non-icy surfaces with better traction, if possible;
Wear proper winter footwear with rubber treads;
Take slow, short steps so you'll be able to react to icy conditions.
Driving in Inclement Weather
Ice and snow, take it slow;
Prepare a car emergency supply kit;
Leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you;
Check DriveNC.gov for possible road closures or hazards.
Taking Care of Pets
Keep them warm and dry, and indoors whenever possible;
Provide plenty of food and water;
When outside, keep them bundled up;
Limit outside time and clean paws when bringing them in inside.
Energy Saving Tips
Reduce your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting. The closer you match your thermostat to outdoor temperatures, the more you can save.
Leave drapes or blinds open on the sunny side of the home to allow the sun's rays to warm the house but close them at night to help insulate your home.
Operate ceiling fans in a clockwise direction in the winter to push warm air back down into the room.
More Storm Resources
Icy road conditions will make travel dangerous. Please drive slowly and check DriveNC.gov for the latest updates before heading out.
