Sleet and freezing rain could cause power outages and icy roads in southeastern North Carolina this weekend.
Robeson County is under an ice storm warning until 1 a.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington. Scotland County is under a winter storm warning until 1 p.m. Monday. Closer to the coast, Bladen and Columbus counties are under a winter weather advisory until 7 p.m. Sunday.
The main “window of concern” is Saturday night to early Sunday,” the National Weather Service said.
“Significant and widespread power outages” are likely across the state, Gov. Josh Stein’s office said in a news release Saturday.
Stein declared a state of emergency earlier this week ahead of the storm. He received President Donald Trump’s approval for an emergency declaration on Saturday morning, which provides additional federal resources to respond to the storm.
“Please plan for the possibility that you’ll not only be stuck at home for a few days, but that you may be without power,” Stein said at a news conference Saturday. “This is a serious storm. We are taking it seriously, and so should you.”
Freezing Rain and Ice
Freezing rain is expected to begin in Robeson County late Saturday night, forecasters say. Rain is likely after 1 p.m. Sunday and possibly continue into Monday morning.
Robeson could see between .6 of an inch and 1 inch of accumulation over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Freezing rain could mix with sleet Saturday night in Scotland County, forecasters predict. Freezing rain is expected to continue Sunday afternoon, and then rain.
Scotland could see one-fifth of an inch of ice accumulation over the weekend, and less than a half-inch of sleet accumulation.
Freezing rain is expected to begin after 1 a.m. Sunday in Columbus County and Bladen County, forecasters say. Rain is likely after 10 a.m., and the area could see a thunderstorm Sunday night.
Columbus and Bladen could see between .6 of an inch and 1 inch of precipitation over the weekend. Rain is possible Monday morning before skies are expected to mostly clear.
N.C. Emergency Management Director Will Ray said ice could remain on the roads until early next week as cold temperatures persist.
“All North Carolinians should be finalizing plans now, and should be prepared to stay home and off the roadways, starting later today through early next week,” Ray said on Saturday.
Cold Temperatures Expected
Forecasters say the storm is part of an “arctic blast” affecting over half of the United States and most of North Carolina.
“Dangerously cold temperatures” are expected Monday night and possibly other nights next week, the National Weather Service said.
Scotland County could see a low of 23 degrees Saturday night, with wind chills as low as 13. Wind gusts could reach 18 mph. The high temperature could reach 35 on Sunday and 41 on Monday.
Robeson County could see a low of 26 degrees Saturday night, with wind gusts up to 21 mph. The high temperature is expected to climb into the upper 30s Sunday and the mid-40s Monday.
In Columbus and Bladen counties, the low temperature could fall into the upper 20s Saturday night. High temperatures are expected to reach the mid- to upper-40s on Sunday and Monday.
N.C. Emergency Management Director Will Ray said ice could remain on the roads until early next week as cold temperatures persist.
“All North Carolinians should be finalizing plans now, and should be prepared to stay home and off the roadways, starting later today through early next week,” Ray said on Saturday.
Dangerous Road Conditions Possible
The N.C. Department of Transportation has put about 2.8 million gallons of brine on roads across the state, including four-lane highways and interstates, Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson said at a news conference Friday.
That includes more than 119,000 gallons on roads in the Border Belt, DOT spokesperson Andrew Barksdale said.
Crews will begin salting roads Saturday.
Cars left on roads or the right-of-way began to be towed early Friday morning.
“If you choose to drive in the conditions that we anticipate will impact our roads, you are rolling the dice with poor odds,” Johnson said Saturday. “The risk of crashing in these conditions is high, which can lead to serious injury or being stranded in a disabled vehicle in bitterly cold conditions.”
How to Prepare
Stein and N.C. Emergency Management Director Will Ray advised residents across the state to do the following to prepare for possible power outages:
- Stock up on food that doesn’t require electricity to prepare, and plenty of water.
- Gather heating sources and the fuel for them.
- Charge any battery-powered electronics, like phones and flashlights.
- Ensure you have plenty of blankets to stay warm.
- Make a plan for where to go if you can’t remain in your home.
- Stay off the roads unless in an emergency.
Local Shelters Opening
Three shelters will be open Saturday to Wednesday in Lumberton, said Robeson County spokesperson Emily Jones.
- Lumberton Christian Care Center, 220 E. 2nd St. The shelter asks residents to call 910-739-1204 for information and arrivals. Space is limited.
- Eden Global Ministries, 1202 N. Pine St. Arrival is 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Robeson County Church and Community Center, 590 W. 5th Street. Arrival is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
In Columbus County, a warming center will be available behind the Facts of Life Church at 506 N. Lee St. in Whiteville from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on nights when temperatures fall below 40 degrees.
Scotland High School’s gymnasium will serve as a shelter starting at noon Saturday. Blankets and snacks will be available, though residents are encouraged to bring their own. The school is at 1000 W. Church St. in Laurinburg.
School Changes
Bladen County Schools said the district will switch to online learning Monday because of the winter storm.
Public Schools of Robeson County canceled sporting events on Saturday. The district said it would provide an update by noon Sunday about changes to class schedules.
Columbus County Schools said it planned to operate on a normal schedule next week. “However, this may change as the storm develops and as we receive guidance from local officials,” the district said.
Whiteville City Schools said it also planned to operate as usual but will “share updates as soon as possible” if conditions become hazardous.
Scotland County Schools has not changed its Monday schedule. “We will continue to monitor the weather and consult with local emergency management services, and would be making a decision possibly later in the week or this weekend about any changes to the schedule for early next week at that time,” Meredith Bounds, spokesperson for Scotland County Schools, said on Wednesday.