North Carolina is preparing for another round of winter weather expected this weekend and now is the time for people to get ready, especially in the mountains and foothills, Governor Roy Cooper said Thursday.
“Our emergency managers and DOT engineers are watching the forecast closely and making sure North Carolina is prepared for more winter weather,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “Residents should monitor their local forecast and make sure they are prepared as well.”
The most significant weather impacts are expected in the mountains and western Piedmont counties with three to seven inches of snow possible in the northern mountains and one to four inches in the southern mountains and foothills. Hazardous travel conditions are expected beginning Saturday evening in areas north and west of Interstate 85. Isolated power outages are also a possibility in these areas.
Impacts from this storm are expected to be minimal along and east of a line from the Charlotte metro area to the Triangle. A wintry mix and rain is expected in those areas, with a brief period of wintry weather at most.
In areas where the winter weather is expected to begin as snow or sleet, Department of Transportation crews in the western and central parts of the state will brine the major highways and other key routes this week. Crews will then be ready on Saturday night to deal with whatever type of weather hits their area. All county maintenance yards have restocked their salt supply since the December snow storm and have plenty on hand for this event.
To prepare for winter weather, North Carolina Emergency Management officials urge you to:
- Always keep enough non-perishable food in your home for 3 days.
- Keep fresh batteries on hand for weather radios and flashlights.
- Use a weather radio, weather app, or stay tuned to local news media to monitor for changing weather conditions.
- Be careful if you use an alternative heat source, and make sure you know how to use it safely. Properly vent kerosene heaters and keep any electric generators outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never burn charcoal indoors.
- Store an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include a scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first aid kit and road map.
- Dress warmly if you spend time outdoors. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.
If you must travel in affected areas during bad weather, emergency officials remind motorists to leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles and reduce your speed on snow- or ice-covered roadways. If conditions worsen, pull off the highway and remain in your vehicle. Don’t set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you can take shelter.
Gov. Cooper encourages North Carolinians to check on neighbors, especially the elderly and disabled, and include pets in their emergency plans.
To keep animals safe during winter weather, emergency management officials recommend you:
- Make an emergency supplies kit for your pet and include medical records, first aid kit, enough canned/dry food and water for 3 - 7 days and pet travel bag or carrier.
- Do not leave pets outside for long periods of time and bring pets inside when temperatures drop below freezing.
- Ensure your pet has a well-fitting collar.
- Move livestock and other animals to a sheltered location with food and water.
For more information on how to prepare for winter storms, check the ReadyNC app or visit readync.org.
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