Snow falls on Randolph County. Here are tips to stay safe in winter weather.

Destiniee Jaram, The Courier-Tribune
·2 min read

Randolph County is expected to receive a wintry blast this weekend. Here is a look at the forecast.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the storm will roll in on Saturday night. The NWS predicts winds of around 6 mph and a 50% chance of rain, snow, and freezing rain of a quarter inch.

Snow, freezing rain, and heavy sleet are expected before 1 p.m. on Sunday with a high near 32 that will continue throughout the night.

The storm is predicted to end around 1 am on Monday morning, returning to a sunny forecast with a high near 41.

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NC DPS) recommends using caution driving on shady spots, such as bridges and overpasses because they freeze first as temperatures drop. The NC PDS also recommends when starting or stopping on snowy or icy roads to increase and decrease your speed slowly to help tires keep traction with the road and to not use cruise control.

Ready North Carolina also recommends the following safety tips:

  • Restock or update your emergency kit. Always keep at least a seven-day supply of non-perishable food in your home and a gallon of water per person per day.

  • Add the following supplies to your emergency kit:

    • Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways.

      • Sand to make traction better; and

      • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.

  • Have enough clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

  • Make a family communications plan.

  • Go to the selected public shelter for your area, if your home loses power or heat during periods of extreme cold.

  • Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in many layers. Stay indoors, if possible.

  • Bring pets inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.

  • Make sure you have a good amount of heating fuel. Regular fuel sources may be cut off.

  • If you have a fireplace, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood.

  • Never use a charcoal grill or camp stove indoors for either cooking or heating. The fumes can be toxic.

Check our Twitter, @CourierTribune, for more updates over the weekend.

Destiniee Jaram is an Economic Development & Data Enterprise Reporter. She is always looking for tips relevant to the Randolph County community. Contact Destiniee at DJaram@gannett.com, follow her on Twitter @DestinieeJaram, or leave her a message at 336-626-6106.

This article originally appeared on The Courier-Tribune: Snowstorms to come to Randolph County; Weather forecast, safety tips