Officials Warn of Impacts from Winter Weather starting Wednesday

ASHEBORO — Forecasters are warning residents to prepare for another round of winter weather, which is expected to arrive Wednesday and may impact the region through the rest of the week.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Raleigh issued a Winter Storm Warning for most of North Carolina, and Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency as emergency officials brace for the storm's effects.

Precipitation is expected to begin around 10 a.m. Wednesday, starting as light rain or snow before intensifying into the afternoon and evening. Randolph County is forecast to receive between one and two inches of snow. While the threat of ice accumulation has shifted eastward, some ice may still accumulate in the area.

Lingering snow and ice could persist into Thursday morning, followed by windy, bitterly cold temperatures that could prolong hazardous conditions through the weekend. Residents should be cautious of black ice on Friday and Saturday mornings, as refreezing could make roads dangerous. Power outages and hazardous road conditions are also possible.

The greatest travel impacts, and potential power outages, are expected Wednesday afternoon through early Thursday. State officials are urging residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

"Travel cautiously if travel is required. Vehicle accidents skyrocket on winter weather days," said Jared Byrd, deputy director of Randolph County Emergency Services, in an email. If travel is necessary, officials recommend carrying an emergency kit with blankets, water, and non-perishable food. For road conditions, call 511 or visit the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s website.

Local officials also advise residents to prepare for the possibility of being stuck at home for several days. "Stock up on essential household supplies, including fresh batteries for flashlights and smoke alarms," said Samantha East, public information officer with Asheboro Fire & Rescue. She also recommends ensuring cell phones are fully charged.

Byrd also stressed the importance of preparation for those who rely on electrically powered medical equipment. "It is not uncommon for people to call 911 within 30 minutes of a power outage asking for oxygen because they rely on an electrical-powered home oxygen concentrator," he said. "We do not have oxygen that we can distribute to the public." Byrd advises residents who rely on home oxygen concentrators to contact their medical equipment providers to ensure they have an emergency backup supply.

Authorities are urging residents to prepare now and monitor weather updates from the NWS and local emergency management officials.

Winter Weather Tips from Asheboro Fire & Rescue:
- Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable objects.
- Only refuel kerosene or oil heaters outside the home.
- Never leave candles unattended.
- Dispose of hot ashes in a metal container away from the house.
- Avoid overloading electrical circuits when using space heaters.
- Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas, ensuring that exhaust fumes do not enter the home.