Wake Forest Reports Three Inches of Snow; Crews Plow and Salt Roads

Wake Forest crews reported roughly three inches of powdery snow on Feb. 1, and town and state teams have been working through the day to keep main roads passable. Town crews focused on plowing main roads, bridges and hills and spreading sand and salt in historically icy areas while NCDOT crews and contractors handled state‑maintained routes.

Town officials said crews prioritized thoroughfares and primary roads first and would remain on duty around the clock until roads were safe. "Wake Forest has over 250 tons of sand/salt mix supply on site, along with eight truck‑mounted plows, four spreaders, one backhoe, and one loader available to clear Wake Forest's 156 miles of roads." Earlier in the week crews applied brine to major roads, bridges, and overpasses to give salt a head start on preventing freeze-up. "Brine is a salt and water mixture. The use of brine uses less salt since it is applied in liquid form, and the salt can begin to work immediately. Unlike rock salt which can roll off or be blown off hard surfaces, brine bonds to the pavement. It is also more effective than solid salt in lower temperatures. Once ice forms on roads, crews spread a mixture of salt and sand to melt the ice."

Wake Forest Police urged residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. "roads are icy and dangerous. Community members are strongly urged to stay off the roads - unless absolutely necessary. When you venture out on the roads, you not only put yourself at risk, but you also put others in jeopardy. Then, if you are involved in an accident, police officers and first responders are at risk. You can help yourself, your neighbors, law enforcement and first responders by simply staying off the roads."

Motorists are asked not to park on the street so plows and other Town equipment can effectively service the area. If travel is necessary, follow safety guidance: "slow down, avoid using cruise control, use your low‑beam headlights to better see icy pavement, and give extra following distance to allow more stopping time." Drivers should also heed vehicle‑preparation advice: "Before you drive, remove the ice and snow from your vehicle, particularly from the hood, windows, and roof. Ice and snow that dislodges from a moving vehicle can create hazardous driving conditions for other vehicles resulting in property damage and/or injury." Residents should remember the Town does not clear school parking lots or private parking lots including those at apartment complexes or businesses.

Wake Forest Power crews are prepared to respond to outages, though restoration efforts "may be delayed by hazardous road conditions" and will proceed as safely and quickly as possible. Several municipal adjustments are in effect: WFCAA & PRCR facilities are closed Monday, Town Hall will open at noon, Go Wake Forest will resume at 10 am, GoTriangle services begin at noon Monday, and all WCPSS schools will be closed for students Monday. Wake County also opened an emergency shelter ahead of the storm.

The Town issues regular updates through a variety of means; for local information contact Town of Wake Forest, 301 S. Brooks St., Wake Forest, NC, phone (919) 435‑9400, fax (919) 435‑9419. Expect crews to continue plowing and treating roads as conditions evolve, and follow official guidance to reduce risk and speed recovery.