Residents should prepare for the ice storm, New Hanover County facilities will close Friday and Saturday

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, North Carolina – An ice storm warning is in effect for New Hanover County and the impacts of freezing rain and ice are expected to begin in our area Friday morning. Ice is expected to accumulate up to half an inch in some areas on Friday, and temperatures will not rise above freezing for an extended period through Sunday, so road conditions are expected to be hazardous through Sunday. morning. See the latest Briefing from the National Weather Service here for more information.

County facilities closed Friday and Saturday

Given this current forecast, New Hanover County offices, immunization clinics, landfill (including household hazardous waste facility and recycling center), parks, libraries, and attractions (including Cape Fear Museum, Arboretum and Airlie Gardens) will be closed Friday and Saturday. , January 21 and 22, for staff and public safety. The museum and libraries will remain closed on Sunday, but county parks, Airlie Gardens and the Arboretum plan to reopen to the public Sunday noon unless conditions prevent. All county facilities are expected to reopen Monday for normal operations.

Courthouse closed on Friday

Courts and courthouses in New Hanover and Pender will also be closed on Friday. For the New Hanover court, cases will continue and any emergency filings can be made at the magistrates’ office located at the New Hanover County Jail on Blue Clay Road, according to Superior Court Clerk Jan Kennedy. All non-urgent deposits can be made on Mondays.

Residents should take precautions

The county’s emergency management team is currently monitoring forecasts and potential impacts for our area and warns that there is a risk of widespread power outages, which can occur when approximately a quarter inch of ice accumulates. on power lines.

“Ice impacts are possible for our region from Friday as rain turns to freezing rain early in the morning, then a mix of wintry weather, including sleet, is expected in the afternoon and Saturday morning,” said Steven Still, director of emergency management. “Up to a half inch of ice accumulation is forecast in parts of our county, which could cause downed trees and power outages, and winds could be up to 25 mph, which could add additional stress to icy trees and power lines. While this storm may be short-lived, the impacts could be significant, so we encourage all residents to take precautions now, prepare for potential power outages, and provide what you need to stay safe. hot. Ice will also create dangerous road conditions, so please plan to stay off the roads until the roads are clear and safe for driving.

Winter storms and cold temperatures can be dangerous, so residents are encouraged to review theircontingency plansand be ready for winter. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Have an emergency kit in case of need that can last at least a week. It should include flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, medicine, warm clothing, blankets, and a portable, battery-powered radio, television, or weather radio (be sure to receive weather alerts on the radio or on your mobile phone). call).
• Keep cell phones, mobile devices and spare batteries charged in the event of a power outage.
• Do not park cars under trees, as branches can easily break under the weight of ice.
• Bring pets and animals indoors, out of freezing weather, and make sure you have enough food and pet supplies for several days.
• Avoid travel during and after the storm until the roads have warmed up and the ice is free. Ice will make roads extremely dangerous and motorists may put additional pressure on emergency responders.
• If you go out, dress warmly with several layers of thin clothing instead of one layer of thick clothing.
• Never use a gas grill or charcoal grill indoors and do not use hazardous heaters indoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• If you are using a generator due to a power outage, be sure to follow all proper security procedures. Only use a generator outdoors and never in a garage or inside a building. See additional tips to prepare for power outages here .
• According to Duke Energy, customers experiencing power outages should call 1-800-419-6356. Customers can also report an outage or view current outages online at www.duke-energy.com/outages or text 57801.
• If you believe your home is not immune to the impacts of ice or are concerned about potential loss of power and special needs you may have, we encourage you to seek shelter with a friend or a member of your family.
• Check your neighbors and anyone vulnerable to make sure they are safe.

Stay informed about EmergencyNHC.com and following New Hanover County on Facebookand Twitter . You can also enroll in the department emergency text alertsand emergency news here.

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