NC weather: Freezing rain, flooding could cause power outages today

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Central North Carolina is dealing with Winter Storm Warnings, Winter Weather Advisories and Flash Flood Warnings today through Friday.

Rain moved into the area overnight, as temperatures across the area teetered around 32 degrees. As usual, areas farther north are more likely to see ice accumulation.

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The Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for counties along Interstate 85 and north. This advisory lasts until Friday at 7 a.m., and it means that these areas could see more than .25 inches of ice accumulation.

For context, we tend to see power outages in North Carolina when trees and power lines accumulate more than .25 inches of ice.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Chatham, Franklin, Halifax, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Nash, Stanly and Wake counties until 7 a.m. Friday. These counties could see less than .25 inches of ice accumulation.

As of 5 a.m. most areas in central North Carolina were seeing mostly rain. But this does not mean ice will not develop. Ice accumulation is a slow process. It can begin as mostly or even all rain, but then cold, wet surfaces slowly begin to freeze.

But ice is not the only potential problem with this storm.

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for all counties south or east of Wake County from 10 a.m. today through 7 a.m. Friday. Between 1-2 inches of rain is expected to fall in these areas. That rain will be falling on already saturated ground, which is a recipe for flooding.

The rain will last until around 12 p.m. Thursday. It will then likely taper off for the early afternoon and fire back up late afternoon into Friday.

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Estimated power outages

Duke Energy is projecting that the hazardous wintry precipitation and high-winds could cause nearly 1 million power outages – some lasting several days – beginning Thursday in North Carolina and South Carolina, based on the storm’s current forecasted track.
Duke Energy said it has thousands of employees supporting the company’s response, including 5,400 line technicians and vegetation workers. More than 1,300 of those workers are from the company’s Midwest and Florida service areas and from other companies providing assistance.

Governor Cooper to declare state of emergency due to winter weather

“This forecast for icy weather is a real threat for widespread power outages,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “People need to be ready to stay home and be prepared to lose power for a while, especially in the northern, western and Piedmont counties.”

The governor said he will issue an executive order in advance of the inclement weather, declaring a state of emergency and allowing for transportation waivers permitting utility companies to bring repair crews from out of state and get faster access to communities that have lost power. The governor also authorized the activation of 40 National Guard personnel to support fallen tree and debris removal.

Officials with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services are cautioning people not to use gasoline-powered generators or tools, outdoor grills and camp stoves in enclosed spaces. These devices should be used outside only and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and air vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

To stay safe:

• Do not use gasoline-powered tools, generators or engines in enclosed or even partially enclosed spaces. Use them outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors, windows and air vents.
• Do not use charcoal grills or propane stoves indoors, even in a fireplace.
• Never use the stove or other gas appliances to heat your home.
• Do not idle your car, truck or other vehicle in the garage, even if the garage door to the outside is open. Fumes can build up quickly in the garage and living area of your home.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance. If used correctly, these detectors can save lives by alerting people to increasing levels of carbon monoxide in the home.
• Keep rooms well ventilated.

Ice is on the way: Tips for driving in winter weather

School closings

Due to anticipated weather, Wake County Public Schools announced it has canceled all of its in-person instruction and will transition to remote learning on Thursday, Feb. 18.

Durham Public Schools facilities will also be closed and remote learning, meal services and in-person events will be canceled on Thursday.

School-based virtual events will be canceled as well due to the possibility of power outages. The day will be a teacher workday and there will be no scheduled online classes. DPS will use accumulated instructional hours to make up the day.

UNC-Chapel Hill has canceled all classes, both in-person and remote classes, on Thursday.