“We know many people may already be traveling for the holidays and we want everyone to be especially careful,” Perdue said. “Our mountains already are beginning to see some snow and this storm is expected to intensify throughout the day and into tomorrow. I urge people to monitor the weather closely and to stay off the roads as much as possible as conditions are forecast to worsen.”
Weather forecasters predicted snow to begin in the mountains and northwest Piedmont Friday, moving across the state and possibly mixing with sleet and freezing rain late Friday night. Accumulations of a foot or more of snow are expected in the northern mountains. The Triad area could see four to eight inches of snow, while the Triangle area could see an inch or more. That, combined with possible sleet or freezing rain could be enough to cause tree limbs and power lines to fall.
The N.C. Division of Emergency Management is coordinating with local emergency agencies, especially in the western and central parts of the state, to open shelters if that becomes necessary.
The N.C. Department of Transportation began spreading salt and brine on the roads Thursday and will have crews working throughout the storm.
The N.C. State Highway Patrol has additional troopers to handle calls for service and crashes. Motorists should be aware that black ice on the roadways is possible when moisture covers the roadway and temperatures are near or below freezing.
People are urged to contact emergency officials only for emergency situations. Please do not call 911 or the Highway Patrol for road conditions. The lines must remain clear for emergency calls. To check road conditions, please visit www.ncdot.org or call NCDOT's 511 Information Line.
Gov. Perdue offered the following safety tips in the event of a power outage:
· Do not use charcoal grills or generators indoors.
· 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.
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.
Citizens should observe conditions in their area and stay tuned to local radio and television for weather information. If you must travel, you should take the following precautions:
· Reduce your speed. Driving at the regular speed limit will reduce your ability to control the car if you begin to slide.
· Leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles.
· Bridges and overpasses accumulate ice first. Approach them with extreme caution and do not apply your brakes while on the bridge.
· If you do begin to slide, take your foot off the gas and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide. Do not apply the brakes as that will cause further loss of control of the car.
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