Raleigh residents are bracing for a chilly weekend as the National Weather Service (NWS) in Raleigh has issued a bevy of winter weather advisories, including a Winter Storm Warning. According to the NWS, this advisory is in effect from 4 PM this afternoon until 7 AM EST Sunday. The region is expecting to see heavy snow, with "total snow accumulations between 4 and 7 inches" and potential for higher amounts in localized areas. Dangerous conditions may include slick roads and travel complications, particularly on bridges and overpasses where ice can quickly form.
The Cold Weather Advisory and an Extreme Cold Watch will also be active, compounding the severe weather conditions. The advisory, set to run from 1 AM Saturday to 1 AM EST Sunday, warns of "very cold wind chills ranging from near zero to 9 degrees." But it is the Extreme Cold Watch that has caught the eye of concerned citizens, with predicted "dangerously cold wind chills as low as 5 below possible" from late Saturday night through Sunday morning. Readers are advised to layer clothing, and to keep pets indoors to ensure safety during the frigid onslaught.
All of central North Carolina falls under these advisories, emphasizing the wide-reaching impact of the incoming weather system. NWS cautions that the intensity of the cold can lead to frostbite and hypothermia if precautions are not taken, including dressing in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside, as reported on the NWS website. They have also issued direct cautions against the use of generators or grills inside homes, which could lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
The Raleigh community is urged to prepare as the Winter Storm Warning indicates that travel "could be very difficult or even impossible at times Saturday into Sunday." The NWS suggests keeping extra supplies, such as food, water, and a flashlight, in vehicles. It's important to not only to prepare yourself but to also "make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors" to ensure their safety during this extreme weather event. As the city readies to hunker down, residents can stay updated on road conditions by calling 5 1 1.
