SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — With a winter storm anticipated to bring multiple inches of snowfall in the tri-county region, government entities and counties have or are preparing to issue states of emergency.
This includes New Hanover County, effective Saturday, Jan. 31, at noon. The emergency declaration allows a government’s emergency management team to efficiently coordinate resources and respond to impacts of the storm.
READ MORE: School closures, other cancellations and more due to impending winter storm
“This is a very serious weather event,” New Hanover County Commissioner Chair LeAnn Pierce said at a press conference Friday.
She urged residents to exercise caution, stay off the roads and prepare: “Check on your neighbors, especially those who need assistance.”
The National Weather Service in Wilmington has forecast up to 8 inches of snow, though the low end could bring 2 to 4 inches, with a maximum of 12 or so inches on the high-end — though the latter has less than a 20% chance. Snow-banding is anticipated as part of Winter Storm Gianna and means accumulation totals will vary from place-to-place, even within the same county.
Snowfall will be the heaviest on Saturday evening overnight into Sunday, though some flurries may begin as early as 7 a.m. on Saturday.
The coastal regions of North Carolina are under a Winter Weather Warning and Extreme Cold Warning as of Friday. The storm will bring some of the coldest temperatures experienced in the area in decades, including wind chills reaching 0 degrees or below.
Emergency Management Director Steven Still said though widespread power outages are unlikely, some could scatter due to strong winds, with gusts up to 35 miles-per-hour anticipated in some areas. A Gale Warning will go into effect on Saturday at 9 a.m. and last through Sunday at 7 p.m. It could cause potential “whiteout” conditions with low visibility as snowfall increases.
Still said county teams have been in touch with coastal communities as well, noting high seas and winds could bring potential beach erosion.
“Stay off the roads,” he warned, noting they could become hazardous to travel on and refreeze even after the storm, as temperatures are predicted below freezing into early next week. “These are not short-duration impacts.”
The Wilmington Police Department reminded drivers in a release Friday that bridges ice before roadways, adding a few on MLK Parkway are often are overlooked. This includes Bradley Creek Bridge, Smith Creek Bridge and Isabel Holmes Bridge. The WPD cautioned drivers to reduce speed, increase following distance between vehicles, avoid sudden braking or acceleration and stay alert and distraction-free.
“Even a brief loss of traction can result in serious crashes,” WPD noted in its release.
Still said the county’s emergency management operations will move into partial activation on Saturday morning and the county is partnering with other agencies, including NCDOT, which has staged additional resources to help clear roadways. NCDOT communicates with the county and city partners regarding roadways or bridge closures.
Sheriff’s office, EMS and 911 has beefed up staffing during the event, in preparation for more emergency calls.
The county also has begun working with the New Hanover County Disaster Coalition to ensure warming shelter capacity is available to those who need it most.
In New Hanover County, the Warming Shelter at Grace Methodist Church, 401 Grace St., welcomes anyone, particularly the homeless, who seek warmth — with no barrier for entry. Check-in is daily at 5 p.m. and check-out is at 9 a.m. Volunteers are needed and can learn more here.
The Healing Place of New Hanover County, 1000 Medical Center Dr., opens check-in at 3 p.m. daily for the unhoused. Eighteen cost are added from the American Red Cross during extreme weather events, meaning 32 shelter beds are operational. The Healing Place also provides hygiene supplies, showers, and meals.
The Good Shepherd Center also is open at 811 Martin St. and the Salvation Army at 1410 William Booth Dr., both in New Hanover County. But call ahead to ensure availability: Good Shepherd can be reached by dialing 910-763-4424 and Salvation Army, 910-762-2070.
Brunswick County
In Brunswick County, states of emergency also have been declared by the City of Boiling Spring Lakes and the Town of Belville. The City of Southport has partially activated its emergency operations and, like Brunswick County, is at a level three enhanced monitoring phase.
The Brunswick towns and county have urged residents to make preparations as need be, including weatherizing their homes, pipes and cars, and preparing emergency kits. It’s also important to check CO and smoke detectors, as prevention is needed at a higher rate when doors and windows remain closed due to frigid air and heating sources are in constant use.
“While the duration of this storm may be short, the impacts could be significant, so I encourage all residents to take precautions now,” Belville Mayor Charles Bost said in a release.
For anyone seeking warmth in Brunswick County, a few options are available. Brunswick Christian Recovery Centers Inc. opens at 520 Mulberry St. in Shallotte, with check-in at 5 p.m. There will be meals and transportation provided and it welcomes sober men and women. Interested parties can call 910-287-4357.
Also open is the Brunswick Partnership for Housing, serving the elderly, families with children and those with health issues. Call 910-946-1499 until 8 p.m. to seek services.
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