NWS Warns Wake County to Prepare for Major Weekend Winter Storm

The National Weather Service office in Raleigh is urging Wake County residents to prepare now for a potentially major winter storm expected over the coming weekend that could bring snow, sleet, freezing rain, dangerously cold temperatures and widespread power outages. Initial guidance calls for rain Friday with a transition to wintry precipitation Saturday and Sunday, and forecasters say total accumulations remain uncertain.

NWS meteorologist Nick Petro delivered a direct readiness message to residents: “plan to stay home for several days this weekend” and to check on family, friends and neighbors. Officials warned of a “double punch” threat - wintry precipitation followed by sustained sub-freezing wind chills - which could both increase ice accumulation and extend the duration of outages and other hazards.

Duke Energy said it is monitoring forecasts and will allocate crews and resources based on where the biggest impacts are expected. That staging and prioritization will be critical if the storm produces widespread damage to lines and infrastructure. Local emergency management will also be tested in coordinating warming shelters, road clearing and support for medically vulnerable residents, should multi-day outages or hazardous travel materialize.

For individual households, practical preparations include securing extra prescription medicines, stocking nonperishable food and water for several days, arranging backup power for critical medical devices if possible, and ensuring adequate supplies of warm clothing and heating fuel. Residents are urged to check on elderly and mobility-limited neighbors and to establish a personal communications plan in case phones or internet service are disrupted.

The next 48 to 72 hours are likely to bring sharper forecasts and narrower impact zones as computer models converge. County officials and utilities typically use that window to refine resource deployments and to issue more specific guidance on school closures, road priorities and shelter locations. Residents should monitor NWS updates and local emergency communications for those details.

This storm will be a practical test of institutional readiness in Wake County - from utility mobilization to county emergency response and community networks that support the most vulnerable. Expect evolving guidance over the next two to three days and act now to reduce risk: secure medications and supplies, limit travel during the worst hours, and coordinate with neighbors. Authorities will provide further direction as forecasts clarify; for now, plan conservatively and prepare for disruptions that could last multiple days.