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Winter Storm Warning Goes Into Effect Friday Night, 3 to 6 Inches Forecasted for High Country

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By Jesse Wood

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for “significant snowfall” Friday night and into Saturday. The warning is in effect from 7 p.m. on Friday to 7 p.m. on Saturday.

RaysWeather.com is calling for 3 to 6 inches of snowfall in the High Country. The temperature over the next few days is going to be cold with lows on Saturday and Sunday in the single digits. Add wind gusts up to 45 mph on Saturday night and Sunday morning and subzero wind chill seems likely at times.

As RaysWeather.com noted in its forecast discussion, our first decent snowstorm of the season isn’t expected to be “epic by any stretch” of the imagination – at least in the High Country.

This storm is generating plenty of media attention because places off the mountain are expecting significant accumulation. Some swaths of central North Carolina are forecasted to receive 10 inches or more of snowfall – likely double what the High Country might see. 

Gov. Roy Cooper has issued statements urging citizens to prepare for the storm. He also noted that state emergency management officials are coordinating with affected counties in advance.

In the meantime, here are some winter safety tips folks should review:

  • Keep alternative heating sources prepared. If you have a fireplace, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them.
  • Do not use charcoal grills or generators indoors; the fumes can be deadly.
  • Turn off electrical appliances that were on when the power went off to avoid a power surge when the electricity is restored.
  • Use flashlights. Do not use candles; they greatly increase the chance of having a fire in your home. 
  • Limit your activities to no more than two rooms and close off unneeded rooms. 
  • Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors and cover windows at night to keep cold air out and warm air in. 
  • If you have well water, fill up tubs and buckets with water so if the power goes out you still have water.
  • Remember to eat and drink regularly. Food provides the body with energy to produce its own heat. 
  • Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration. 
  • Wear layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Layering clothes keeps you warmer than a single layer of heavy clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.