With cold weather moving across the state this week, including possible icy conditions in the mountainous region, Governor Roy Cooper has signed a state of emergency.
This will allow an operations plan to be activated, as well as waive transportation regulations to help transport fuel and supplies as needed. It also protects consumers against price-gouging.
“We know that with the extremely low temperatures North Carolinians will need propane and other heating fuel to keep their families warm,” the governor said in a press release. “While propane supplies are strong in the state, there is a limited supply of licensed commercial truck drivers, which is being further exacerbated by COVID and flu outbreaks. The State of Emergency will help ease some restrictions and allow heating fuel companies to keep up with demand.”
Most areas statewide are slated to experience overnight lows in the teens and highs barely above freezing. According to the National Weather Service, Saturday and Sunday are expected to be coldest in the Wilmington area, with lows in the 10s and 20s and highs in the mid-30s.
Wind gusts are expected Friday, possibly over 45 miles per hour, with temperatures in the mid-40s to low 50s and 60s through the day and overnight.
“Strong wind gusts could result in some downed trees, power outages, and wind chill values in the single digits across the state and below zero across the mountains,” according to Cooper’s release.
Areas of southeastern North Carolina may also experience heavy rain and isolated severe storms, which could bring rough surf, minor beach erosion and coastal flooding Thursday.
A light wintry mix is possible in the mountains on Wednesday before becoming rain Thursday morning and turning into snow Friday. It may result in freezing roadways and patchy black ice.
The North Carolina Emergency Management suggests these tips ahead of the storm:
- Pay close attention to your local forecast and be prepared for what’s expected in your area.
- Keep cell phones, mobile devices and spare batteries charged.
- Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio or a weather alert app on your phone to receive emergency weather alerts.
- Dress warmly. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.
- Store an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first-aid kit and road map.
- Gather emergency supplies for your pet including leash and feeding supplies, enough food for several days and a pet travel carrier.
- Do not leave pets outside for long periods of time during freezing weather.
- Look out for your friends, neighbors and the elderly during winter weather.
In the event of a power outage, it also recommends having battery-powered light sources handy and to keep remain operational outside, away from open windows and doors, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Charcoal and gas grills should not be burned indoors and kerosene heaters should be properly ventilated.
More information can be accessed here.
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