After less than a week in office, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is already preparing for his first winter storm. Meteorologists are predicting four to eight inches of snow across most of the central and eastern portions of the state this weekend.
“Given our often unpredictable weather, I encourage North Carolinians to keep a close eye on the forecast during the next several days,” urged Governor Cooper. “This storm could bring several inches of snow to much of our state. Now is the time to update your emergency supply kits if you have not recently done so.”
The latest forecasts are calling for precipitation to begin late Friday, first as rain before transitioning to snow, bringing as much as four to six inches of snow across most of central North Carolina. Some eastern counties could see accumulations of six to eight inches before snow showers taper off late Saturday afternoon. While meteorologists have high confidence in accumulating snowfall, precipitation amounts could still vary depending on the storm track.
Emergency Management officials from North Carolina’s State Emergency Response Team are coordinating with potentially affected counties to discuss preparations.
While the storm is not expected to cause widespread power outages, public safety officials said this is a good time to review winter safety tips:
- Keep alternative heating sources prepared. If you have a fireplace, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them.
- Do not use charcoal grills or generators indoors; the fumes can be deadly.
- Turn off electrical appliances that were on when the power went off to avoid a power surge when the electricity is restored.
- Use flashlights. Do not use candles; they greatly increase the chance of having a fire in your home.
- Limit your activities to no more than two rooms and close off unneeded rooms.
- Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors and cover windows at night to keep cold air out and warm air in.
- If you have well water, fill up tubs and buckets with water so if the power goes out you still have water.
- Remember to eat and drink regularly. Food provides the body with energy to produce its own heat.
- Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Wear layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Layering clothes keeps you warmer than a single layer of heavy clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.
Updated weather and road conditions can be found via the ReadyNC mobile app or at readync.org.
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