Staff Report
Friday morning continues to see the threat of significant ice accumulation in the Sandhills and across the state over the weekend. Forecasts show a “mild and mostly dry” day today, with “greater focus on icing and sleet potential late Saturday through the weekend.”
The latest forecast from the National Weather Service shows more than .5 inches of ice possible around the Southern Pines weather station.
The area is expected to see a heavy mix of frozen precipitation, mostly sleet with some snow, that will be topped by freezing rain. Chances of more than one-quarter inch ice accumulation has increased to nearly 80 percent. Forecasting models show accrual increasing farther north, with a maximum of .75 inches.
“This may result in moderate to major impacts in infrastructure and transportation,” according to the National Weather Service forecast.
The NWS also predicts enacting a Winter Storm Warning tonight, with a Winter Storm Warning beginning Saturday afternoon through early Monday morning.
“Most of the day Saturday will be fairly quiet, a little colder, and it will take time for the system to moisten the atmosphere and saturate down,” said National Weather Service meteoroligist Andrew Kren. “It probably won’t come down all at once, but the heaviest period is going to be late Saturday night and into Sunday.”
Following the winter storm period, the region will experience “dangerously cold temperatures and wind chill values” beginning Monday. Peak lows from five below zero are possible Monday night, with daily temps reaching record lows, continuing into the middle of next week.
It is advised that residents take Friday to prepare winter storm kits, with warm clothes and blankets, water for 3-7 days, a flashlight with extra batteries, cell phone charging supplies and necessary medication. Safety officials advise against traveling, but recommend tire chains, jumper cables and a shovel if travel is absolutely necessary.
Moore County declared a State of Emergency, effective tonight at 6 p.m., and will open its emergency public shelter at the Moore County Sports Complex at 155 Hillcrest Park Lane in Carthage this afternoon at 3 p.m. Officials caution that the shelter is not suitable for those requiring ongoing medical care, but that it is equipped with “basic accommodation, including a safe and dry environment, a sleeping cot and limited meal services.”
The towns of Robbins and Southern Pines have also declared a State of Emergency effective tonight at 6 p.m., with Carthage commissioners meeting at 12:30 to make a determination and the Village of Pinehurst said in a release it is “coordinating with regional and county partners and preparing resources to respond as conditions evolve.”
In addition, Gov. Josh Stein declared a State of Emergency as state officials prepare for the impacts of a major winter storm.
“A winter storm is approaching, and now is the time to prepare,” said Stein in a statement issued Wednesday. “Please get ready. Get everything you need in advance of the storm and have a plan in case your power goes out. I encourage all North Carolinians to stay home and off the roads this weekend unless absolutely necessary so first responders can do their jobs safely and effectively.”
Public safety officials urge residents to only call 911 or the Emergency Operations Center in the event of emergencies.
Residents may contact the NC Department of Transportation or local Municipal Public Works departments with questions regarding road clearings and report any power outages directly to the relevant power provider.
The county also announced that governmental offices and the Moore County Courthouse will be closed Monday, and library branches and the Senior Enrichment Center will be closed on Saturday. The county landfill will operate normal hours on Saturday, closing at noon, and remain closed through Monday. Officials are expected to make decisions about extending closures by Sunday afternoon.
The State Emergency Response Team has been activated ahead of the storm’s arrival to assist affected communities with any response needs. Preparations include pre-treating the roads and staging equipment in case of an emergency.
“The State Emergency Response Team is working closely with local partners statewide — as well as with state agencies, the private sector, and nonprofit and volunteer agencies — to ensure that needed resources are provided to support impacted communities,” said NC Emergency Management Director Will Ray in a statement. “Between now and Friday evening, North Carolinians need to finish preparations at home, and travel should be limited or paused, if possible, this weekend as conditions are expected to deteriorate across the state.”
Additionally, utility crews were putting together winter storm plans and preparing for possible outages. In a release, Duke Energy said it has 18,000 workers, including lineworkers based in the Carolinas, third-party vegetation and power line crews and Duke Energy lineworkers from Florida, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio, ready to respond as soon as conditions are safe.
“Our crews and support teams are ready,” said Central Electric CEO and General Manager, Eddie Oldham. “If outages occur, we will work as quickly and — most importantly — as safely as possible to restore power to all members.”
