The weekend system could dump up to a half inch of ice across the area, raising concerns about fallen trees and widespread power outages. This is why emergency management officials are so worried about this Winter Storm. For many city officials, and maybe some of you at home, this threat feels like a deja vu. A similar ice storm in 2002 shut down areas in North Carolina for days, damaging homes, blocking roads, and cutting power to thousands.
For those of you that were here in 2002, that was up until that time, the busiest day the Charlotte Fire Department has ever experienced. Officials say that the storm overwhelmed first responders and caused millions of dollars in damage. And while utilities say the power grid is stronger now, emergency managers warn Ice remains one of the most destructive winter threats.
Ice Storm Warnings Issued and Immediate Preparations Urged
The big focus is that if you do have any last minute preparations, you can plan into this morning. The afternoon and evening is really where we start to see that chance for some ice to start to make its way into the area. So we have three weather warnings and a fourth one that is not as related, but still related to this Winter Storm event. This is a major ice storm for us and Ice is going to be the big impact.
Early Weather Conditions and Ice Storm Warning Coverage
Right now, I’m starting to see some of that snowfall make its way into the mountains there around Andrews this morning. Temperatures are sitting in the 30s and we have cloudy skies right now. Ice storm warning for everyone in the area, as we do have that chance for freezing rain to give us a glaze of ice throughout the next few days.
Forecast Models Show Crippling Ice Accumulation Potential
Here’s a closer look at our models. One of these is the Euro model. Just south of Asheville is where we start to get more of that destructive to crippling levels of ice that’s above a half an inch. And also here’s a look at the GFS. Some of that as well. Same area North Carolina, South Carolina state line and northern upstate also the foothills.
So just make sure that you are getting those last minute preparations in because once this ice is on the ground, it will be hard to travel and it could cause some power outages throughout the region. So if you are trying to figure out when you are supposed to stay inside, I would say through tonight and into Monday morning as we have that chance for icing to continue.
Utility Companies Prepare for Widespread Power Outages
As the Carolinas brace for this winter storm in just a matter of a few hours, Duke Energy says it’s bringing in an additional 18,000 crew members to help respond to power outages. Those crews are coming in from 27 states as well as Canada. The utility company will have an extra 100 trucks staged in the Asheville area alone.
Duke will also relay damage assessors, tree trimmers and what is called smart, self-healing technology now that’s used to help reroute power to customers when other lines in the area are down. The energy company is also guided in part by some of the lessons learned during Helene.
Following Helene, the utility company was able to not only repair but also upgrade a lot of the system substations, poles and wires, making the grid even more resilient than it was before that storm.
Ice Accumulation Levels and Power Line Damage Explained
Officials explained that just a quarter inch of ice is enough to bring tree limbs down onto power lines. Half an inch is when the ice starts impacting the lines themselves.
National Park Closures Ahead of Dangerous Winter Weather
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is closing roads and facilities ahead of Saturday’s winter storm. The park shut down several roads and facilities last night around seven, with closures remaining in effect today until staff can safely assess conditions.
Officials say higher elevation roads are especially dangerous in winter weather, and they’re urging visitors to avoid the park until conditions improve.
City Facilities, Transit, and Water Systems Prepared for Storm
City officials say all 37 water storage tanks are being topped off and kept at full capacity during the storm. Several city facilities will also be closed, including all parks and recreation community centers and the nature center.
Updates will be shared as conditions change.
Rock Salt Alternatives Recommended for Safety
Rock salt might be the cheapest way to fight ice, but experts warn it’s harsh on pets and the environment. Safer alternatives include kitty litter, sand, gravel, lawn fertilizer, wood ash, coffee grounds, magnesium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate, potassium chloride, urea, and beet juice.
School and University Closures and Schedule Changes
Several schools and universities across the region are changing schedules ahead of this weekend’s winter weather. Western Carolina University has suspended classes Monday at the Cullowhee campus and the instructional site. University operations will be suspended through Monday night.
Transylvania County Schools will move to virtual learning Monday and Tuesday. Greenville County Schools will hold an e-learning day Monday, with all activities canceled through Monday. Schedules will be reassessed as conditions improve.
Nationwide Winter Storm Threat Expands Over 2,000 Miles
Winter storm warnings are just all over the United States, spanning over 2000 miles as this major winter storm approaches. Officials say they’re preparing for historic impacts, including hazardous travel, power outages and tree damage that could impact two thirds of the nation’s population.
Snow, sleet, and freezing rain may look alike, but freezing rain is the most dangerous, freezing on contact, coating roads, trees and power lines with ice, making travel nearly impossible.
Plumbers Warn of Frozen and Burst Pipes as Temperatures Drop
With temperatures set to plunge, plumbers are bracing for a surge in calls. Water expands when it freezes, causing pipes to burst and leading to costly damage. Homeowners are urged to drip faucets overnight, insulate pipes with foam or rubber, drain irrigation systems, and take preventative measures now.
Emergency Declarations and Curfews Announced
A state of emergency has been declared ahead of the winter storm that will bring dangerous ice and power outages. The declaration includes a citywide curfew aimed at keeping people off unsafe roads.
The curfew will begin at 8 p.m. and last until dawn, continuing nightly until the emergency ends.
Airports Prepare for Delays and Cancellations
Travelers are bracing for flight delays and cancellations as the winter storm arrives. Crews are running winter operations, prepping runways, applying de-icing mixtures, and monitoring flights to keep operations safe.
Final Safety Advisory to Residents
Officials urge residents to stay home, avoid travel, stock up on essentials, protect pipes, charge electronics, and stay informed through weather apps as this major ice storm moves through the region.
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Note: This article was written by our editorial team and edited with the assistance of AI to improve clarity and structure. The content reflects the original intent and analysis of the author.
