Officials Urge Residents to Stay off Roads as Winter Storm Arrives

ASHEBORO — Officials are urging residents to stay off the roads as snow begins to fall across Randolph County ahead of an approaching winter storm.

Randolph County is under a Winter Weather Advisory until 7 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025.

Light snow has already begun falling in the area, with heavier snow expected to move in between 3 and 4 p.m. The county is forecast to receive 1–2 inches of snow and between one-tenth and one-quarter of an inch of ice accumulation.

Officials warn of hazardous travel conditions starting this afternoon and continuing through Friday afternoon into Saturday due to freezing temperatures and rapid snow and ice accumulation.

“With winter weather approaching our state and snow and ice predicted across the Triad this evening and overnight, the State Highway Patrol urges citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during this winter storm event,” said Brian Martin, public information officer for the NC Highway Patrol’s local troop. “If you don’t have to be out, please stay home. Protect yourself and your family.”

For those who must travel, officials recommend checking road conditions before setting out. Updated road conditions and closures are available online at DriveNC.gov. Martin offered the following tips for travelers:

— Ensure your gas tank is full in case you become stranded, so you can stay warm until help arrives.

— Check the condition of your windshield wipers and ensure your headlights are functioning properly.

— Pack essential items in your vehicle, including car chargers for mobile devices, an ice scraper, bottled water, extra layers of clothing, medication and jumper cables.

Local officials echoed the State Highway Patrol's warnings. 

“It’s the first half-inch of snow that causes the most problems,” said Jared Byrd, deputy director of Emergency Services for Randolph County. “Historically, the timing is not ideal, as we typically see the biggest increase in call volume when winter weather begins during the afternoon traffic rush.”

Ice accumulations combined with wind gusts of 20–35 mph are likely to cause scattered to widespread power outages in the area. Residents can report outages to Duke Energy at 800-POWERON (800-769-3766) or Randolph EMC at 1-877-736-2633 (1-877-REMC-OFF). Both companies also offer online options for reporting and viewing outages.

Emergency officials remind residents never to use portable generators indoors, including in garages, basements or sheds, and to install working carbon monoxide alarms in their homes. Charcoal grills should never be used indoors, even with ventilation.

The George Washington Carver Community Enrichment Center will operate a temporary warming shelter while temperatures remain below 20 degrees. The shelter, located at 950 Martin Luther King Drive in Asheboro, will be open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. through Sunday, Jan. 12. Donations and volunteers are needed.

Residents are encouraged to stay updated with the latest weather information by following official sources, including Randolph County Emergency Services.