With hazardous travel expected Tuesday evening because of winter weather, hundreds of North Carolina Department of Transportation workers are deployed statewide, pre-treating roads.
“The Department of Transportation has been brining the roads to make it harder for ice to stick to the roads," Governor Josh Stein added Tuesday afternoon, adding that the National Guard is on standby to help if needed.
The storm system is bringing snow to parts of the state by Tuesday evening, with the greatest chance being south and east of Raleigh and east of Charlotte. This will be the unusual type of winter storm that produces snow at beaches, but none in most of the mountains.
Gov. Stein said the road officials are I-95 as their dividing line, counterintuitive from what they usually handle with winter weather. According to Spectrum meteorologists, any locations east of I-95 will see at least 1 to 3 inches of snow. A narrow band of over 3 inches will likely set up for some locations.
“The main thing is we want folks to stay home. If you can stay home, stay home," Gov. Stein said, adding that people should have their supplies now. “During winter weather, just like any severe weather situation in our state, it’s important to keep people safe. Make sure you have everything you need to keep you and your family safe.”
State officials also mentioned the power grid does get strained during frigid weather events.
“Whenever there are cold temperatures like this, everyone wants more power. If you can wait to wash your clothes until after this weather passes, please do so.”
Related article: Snow likely in eastern North Carolina tonight
NCDOT Division Maintenance Engineer Doug McNeal, is based in the Wake County area. He said NCDOT crews started brining roads Sunday night and took a break Monday night as temperatures dropped.
"If you don’t have to be out there this evening, please don’t be out there," McNeal said. “It could get rough quick.”
McNeal said it's too early to determine whether schools will be delayed or closed Wednesday, as it depends on how bus routes, school sidewalks and parking lots look.
Emergency Management Leadership Director Will Ray said, though unusual for most of North Carolina, bodies of water may freeze across the state tonight and tomorrow.
“Ice may form on ponds, creeks and rivers," Ray said. "Though it is rare here, ice is never safe to walk on.” He instead asked those on the eastern part of the state to stay indoors Wednesday.
AAA is also urging people to stay home and off the roads if possible.
"If you must get on the road, be sure to have at least a half tank of gas, significantly reduce your speed and stay off back roads," AAA spokesperson Tiffany Wright said.
Stranded motorists
AAA released the following tips for motorists who may become stranded during the storm:
- Stay in the vehicle. Your car can provide shelter, allowing emergency responders to best locate you, and prevent you from being struck by an approaching vehicle. If you must get out of the car, ensure the surroundings are safe
- To make the gas last longer, don’t leave the car running. If there is an extended traffic jam, turn off the engine for a period, then back on to reheat the inside, when it has gotten too cold again. Make sure the exhaust pipe is snow-free
- Avoid driving on the shoulders or medians of highways to get around the traffic jam. These need to be kept clear for first responders, tow trucks, and emergency vehicles to get to the cause of the stoppage
- Cold weather can shorten the range of electric vehicles. EV drivers should plan for more frequent stops for charging and identify the location of charging stations before you hit the road. AAA recommends “pre-heating” the inside of your electric vehicle to a comfortable temperature while still connected to the charger. This will reduce the vehicle’s battery demand to regulate cabin temperature at the onset of driving
AAA also recommends packing an emergency kit that includes a phone charger, first-aid kit, blankets, hats, gloves, coats, drinking water, non-perishable snacks, flashlight, batteries, reflective warning triangles and an ice scraper or snow brush.
It can take longer to slow vehicles during a weather event, so AAA recommends compensating for reduced traction on roads by increasing following distance. "Avoid braking on ice," AAA said, as applying pressure to the brakes can throw a car into a skid.
Preparing your vehicle
For those who must travel, AAA recommends keeping your vehicle winter ready with the following tips:
- Remove all snow and ice from car – This includes the hood, roof and trunk
- Battery strength — Faulty batteries cause more car starting problems than any other factor. At 0 degrees, a good battery has 35 percent less starting power. Additionally, batteries that are three - five years old will have much less starting power in cold conditions
- Tire inflation — Under-inflated tires can be dangerous, and may suffer damage. Tire air pressure decreases 1-2 psi for every 10 degree temperature drop
- Wiper blades — The blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. Replace any blade that leaves streaks or misses spots. In areas with snow, consider installing winter wiper blades that wrap the blade frame in a rubber boot to reduce ice and snow buildup
- Washer fluid — Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a winter cleaning solution that has antifreeze components
