The Triangle is bracing for some significant winter weather predicted to hit the area this weekend.
Forecasts from the National Weather Service predict Durham County will have a mix of sleet and snow during the day on Saturday, with less than half an inch of accumulation combined. Saturday night and Sunday will likely have snow, freezing rain, and sleet, combining for three quarters of an inch to one inch of precipitation.
In Wake County, Saturday will likely have snow and sleet throughout the day, with less than half an inch of accumulation. From Saturday night to Sunday, three quarters of an inch to one inch of precipitation is expected. Sunday is predicted to have freezing rain, with a chance of snow that evening.
A winter storm watch is in effect Saturday through Monday.
In a press conference Thursday, North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray warned some areas of the state “could see winter weather like they haven’t seen in years.” He asked that residents prepare for the storm by Friday night and plan to stay off the road this weekend.
“Ice accumulations of around a half inch of ice or more can cause an increase in downed trees or impact power lines and lead to an increase in power outages, as well as to hazardous travel conditions,”
Gov. Josh Stein declared a state of emergency Wednesday, ahead of the winter weather. Stein encouraged North Carolinians to stock up on water, non-perishable food, medication, and supplies for three to five days for each person and pet in a household. He also recommended having a flashlight, fresh batteries, a way to keep your phone charged, blankets, and winter clothing.
“This has the potential to be a massive disruption to people’s lives,” Stein said.
Officials also warned cold temperatures during and after the storm could cause icy roads and power outages.
To stay updated as the weather moves through the area, Wake County residents can sign up for ReadyWake Alerts. Orange County residents can sign up for OC Alerts, and Durham County residents can sign up for Alert Durham. Additional information for towns and cities in the Triangle—including disruptions to services like trash pickup—can be found on their respective websites.
Duke Energy customers can sign up for outage alerts. Outages can be reported by texting “OUT” to 57801 or calling (800) 776-3766.
No Triangle schools have announced closures as of Thursday afternoon.
Buddhist monks are still scheduled to walk through Raleigh this weekend as part of their 2,300-mile Walk For Peace. Updates will be available on their Facebook page.
For those looking to help their communities locally, the Durham Community Care Collective is accepting donations of food and essential supplies for unhoused families. Email [email protected] to sign up for prepared donations. Durham Community Fridges is also looking for donations of ready-to-eat meals and snacks, homemade food with ingredient labels, and hand warmers. The fridges are located at Braggtown Baptist, Scrap Exchange, and St. Joe’s.
In preparation for the storm, here are some tips local and state officials are sharing:
- Gather supplies for your household. Have one gallon of water per person per day, and stock up on non-perishable food in case cooking isn’t an option. Have enough for three days.
- Have prescription medication on hand.
- Have cell phone chargers, including a portable option that can be used during a power outage. Before the storm, charge all devices fully.
- Have a first aid kit available.
- Don’t use your oven to heat your home. It could cause carbon monoxide poisoning or start a fire. Space heaters, charcoal grills, and camp stoves can also release toxic fumes.
- Know where your residence’s master water shut-off valve is and how to use it if utility pipes break.
- Have flashlights and extra batteries available.
- Have warm winter clothes.
- Fuel vehicles, have traction aids ready, and park them away from trees.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Morgan Casey contributed reporting.
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