Raleigh, NC residents are bracing themselves for a heavy winter storm that is expected to blanket the area with significant snowfall and bring potentially dangerous, frigid conditions. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Raleigh, a winter storm warning is in effect until 7 AM EST Sunday, with additional snow accumulations between 3 and 7 inches, and high winds gusting as much as 40 mph in some areas.
The NWS has advised that roads, particularly bridges and overpasses, are likely to become slick and hazardous, with travel predicted to be very difficult. In some cases, closures to infrastructure could occur due to the adverse weather conditions. The NWS has urged the public to "consider delaying all travel" and to use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary. They also recommended keeping an extra flashlight, food, and water in the vehicle if one must travel, which is vital to ensure safety during such extreme conditions.
Alongside the winter storm warning, the NWS has also issued a Cold Weather Advisory and an extreme cold warning for all of central North Carolina. The cold weather advisory remains in effect until 1 AM EST Sunday, warning of very cold wind chills as low as zero. Following that, the extreme cold warning will take place from 1 AM to 10 AM EST Sunday, with dangerously cold wind chills as low as 5 below expected. Such severe chills could result in frostbite and hypothermia if proper precautions are not taken.
The public has been advised to dress in layers, including a hat, face mask, and gloves, to protect against the chill. Pets should be kept indoors as much as possible. The NWS also stressed the importance of making frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors, and ensuring that portable heaters are used correctly to avoid fire hazards and that generators or grills should not be used inside homes due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The latest road conditions for the state can mistakenly be acquired by calling 5 1 1, according the NWS information.
