Snow falls on Alamance County. What to expect for the long weekend.
Parts of central North Carolina including Alamance County could see up to 5 inches of snow followed by a wintry mix this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service, snow showers could start as early as 7 p.m. on Saturday, but Alamance County is more likely to see flurries after 3 a.m. Snow and sleet will be the main form of precipitation before 10 a.m. before the storm shifts to a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain through Sunday night.
As of Saturday morning, estimated snowfall totals varied. The NWS is predicting 1 to 3 inches of snow, while the Weather Channel is predicting 3 to 5 inches.
The NWS said the wintry mix will continue through about 1 a.m. Monday before the sun returns for windy Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
A winter weather advisory will be in place from midnight Jan. 16 to midnight Jan. 17.
Winds ranging between 10 and 20 mph and the precipitation on Sunday could cause power outages in the county.
"Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible," the NWS warned.
The City of Burlington began preparing for potential hazards ahead of the storm, according to a press release sent out Saturday.
"The Street Division has applied brine to the throughfares throughout Burlington. Salt spreaders and tire chains are mounted on trucks. All equipment is fueled and stationed for use. Our salt supply is 600 tons-full capacity. Crew members will be here to remove any falling tree obstructions out of the streets. Residents are asked to stay inside if the event causes our streets to become a hazard and let us treat the pavement," the release said.
Link Transit will not operate on Monday, Jan. 17 as a result of the expected freezing temperatures and ice.
The Times-News will keep you updated about power outages and road closures if any occur as the storm moves over the area. Just go to www.thetimesnews.com.
Because of the incoming weather, Cone Health cancelled all OCVID-19 testing and vaccination appointments on Sunday and Monday. Those with appointments will be contacted via phone or email to reschedule.
Ready NC offers the following tips to prepare for the incoming winter weather:
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.
Listen to a NOAA weather radio or other local news channels for important information from the National Weather Service (NWS).
Try not to travel. If travel is needed, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
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 cooking or heating. The fumes can be toxic.
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Elizabeth Pattman is the trending topics reporter for the Times-News in Burlington, covering business, COVID-19 and all things trending. Contact Elizabeth (she/her) at epattman@gannett.com. I'm also available on social media @EPattmanTN on Twitter or @burlingtontimesnews on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Times-News: Snow and ice to hit Alamance County this weekend
