National Weather Service issues ice storm warning for Craven and surrounding counties
Eastern North Carolina is expected to receive a wintry mix of snow and sleet from Friday and Saturday.
Significant amounts of ice and snow are expected across most of the area from Friday through Saturday morning, according to the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City. The expectations are unchanged from earlier forecasts.
An ice storm warning is in effect from 4 a.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Saturday.
One quarter to one half of an inch of ice accumulation is expected in Jones, Pamlico, Craven and Lenoir counties.
The weather service advises that power outages and tree damage are likely due to ice, which also could make travel nearly impossible with the hazardous conditions impacting the morning and evening commute Friday.
Brenda Gray of New Bern said she does not like snow.
"I worry about power outages or freezing pipes," Gray said. "I also worry about people driving on the icy roads. We do not get enough snow in this area for me to feel confident that others will take the necessary precautions when driving."
Gray, who owns an in-home daycare in New Bern, said snow will also make it difficult for parents to bring their children if they are still required to go to work."
More: Travel hazards expected as ice, possible snow forecast for New Bern
On Friday in Lenoir County, freezing rain and sleet are likely before 11 a.m. followed by more sleet with a temperature high near 27 degrees. Precipitation is expected to become all snow after 10 p.m.
There is a chance of snow before 7 a.m. on Saturday followed by mostly sunny weather, with a temperature high near 32.
An ice storm warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of ice accumulations will make travel dangerous or impossible. Travel is strongly discouraged. Commerce will likely be severely impacted. Those who must travel should keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in the vehicle in case of an emergency. Ice accumulations and winds will likely lead to snapped power lines and falling tree branches that add to the danger.
Vickie Stevens of New Bern, a native of Camden, N.J., said the snow will remind her of hometown.
"I'm excited about the snow if it comes,", Stevens said. "I love how pretty it looks and I love to go outside and play in it for awhile."
Power outages in New Bern can be reported to the city's Electric Department at 252-636-4070. To monitor power outages in real-time, visit newbernnc.gov.
For outages in your service area, check with your local utility service provider.
This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: Ice storm warning in effect Eastern NC, hazardous conditions expected
