State, local officials urge caution, preparation ahead of winter storm
Type and amount of precipitation could still change, but it's like Western North Carolina will face some kind of severe winter weather.
National Weather Service graphic
The forecast for this weekend’s winter storm, dubbed Fern, is not entirely clear yet, but it seems certain that Western North Carolina is bound for some rough weather. Light precipitation is expected to move in Saturday and intensify Sunday.
While initial tracks indicated the storm could dump over a foot of snow in some parts of the region, newer forecasts point to less snow in favor of a large ice accumulation, which in many senses could prove more devastating. Along with making most roads untravelable for a longer period, ice accumulation can weigh down and snap branches, leading to property damage and widespread power outages.
Ahead of the storm, local and state leaders are reminding residents to be prepared.
Gov. Josh Stein has already declared a state of emergency. In a news release, he said that more than 1,600 North Carolina Department of Transportation crews and contractors have been pre-treating roads with over 800,000 gallons of brine. NCDOT Secretary Daniel Johnson urged people to get prepared as soon as possible.
“Please don’t try to drive once the storm hits unless it’s necessary,” Johnson said. “Please protect yourselves, your families and everyone responding to this storm by being patient and playing it safe.”
That message was reiterated here in Western North Carolina. Haywood Cotuny Sheriff Bill Wilke told the Smoky Mountain News that he anticipates receiving a number of 911 calls for either collisions or stranded motorists caused by a large accumulation of ice combined with the bitter cold temperatures expected in the wake of Fern.
He also said that issues can arise if there are power outages.
“Expect to be without power and communications for a week and plan for that,” Wilke said. "Don’t wait until the last minute.”
Wilke’s public information officer, Gina Zachary, has been working with Haywood County PIO Dillon Huffman and Haywood Emergency Services PIO Allison Richmond to ensure messaging is consistent across all platforms.
Richmond told SMN that power outages often pose risks for people on oxygen who use concentrators that require a power supply. She recommended obtaining a bottle of oxygen, if possible, although that may be difficult at this late hour. During Hurricane Helene, when the county established a shelter at the Waynesville Armory, there were several people who showed up needing oxygen, so following that disaster, officials got some oxygen concentrators specifically for the shelter. In addition, anyone with their own concentrator who loses power should be able to plug in at the armory, if the shelter is staffed up for this storm.
Echoing other officials, Richmond recommended first and foremost staying off the roads unless absolutely necessary. More drivers on icy roads means more collisions that require emergency response and also more traffic for ambulances and fire trucks to navigate. If someone does determine they need to hit the road, Richmond has a piece of advice commonly repeated by locals.
“Drive like you’re hauling granny to the bake sale with her prized cake on her lap,” she said, adding that people should also clear snow and ice off their cars first so they can see better and they’re not creating more hazardous conditions for other drivers.
Jackson County Manager Kevin King said Thursday afternoon that he was about to go into another meeting on storm prep, and that his county was already taking steps to protect and inform citizens.
When it comes to response, ambulances can be outfitted with chains to aid in gaining traction. If an ambulance can’t reach someone, Haywood EMS and fire departments have UTVs and drivers trained to operate them in inclement conditions.
To prepare for winter weather, North Carolina Emergency Management officials recommend these tips:
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Pay close attention to your local forecast and be prepared for what’s expected in your area.
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Keep cell phones, mobile devices, and spare batteries charged.
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Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio or a weather alert app on your phone to receive emergency weather alerts.
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Dress warmly. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.
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Store an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first-aid kit and road map.
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Gather emergency supplies for your pet, including leash and care supplies, enough food for several days and a pet travel carrier.
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Do not leave pets outside for long periods of time during freezing weather.
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Look out for your friends, neighbors and the elderly during winter weather.
If your power goes out:
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Ensure generators are operated outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Never burn charcoal indoors or use a gas grill indoors.
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Properly vent kerosene heaters.
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Use battery-powered sources for light, instead of candles, to reduce the risk of fire.
