With a new winter storm warning in effect and heavy snow in the forecast, Wake County will close all non-essential services on Saturday, Jan. 31.
Parks, libraries and solid waste services will be closed; however, essential services, including EMS, the Sheriff’s Office, emergency management and fire services, will remain in operation. Due to dangerous driving conditions, response times may be delayed.
Snow is expected to begin Friday night, with total snowfall reaching six to eight inches by the time the storm ends Sunday. Temperatures will fall below freezing Friday and remain there through Monday, with wind chills dipping below zero. Winds are expected to remain in the mid-teens, with gusts up to 20 mph, which could result in isolated power outages.
Emergency management officials continue to monitor conditions and urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel and follow safety guidance.
During the storm
1. Stay informed
Stay up to date using the following resources:
- ReadyWake.com and ReadyNC.gov
- The National Weather Service
- Local media outlets
2. Stay home and off the roads
- NCDOT crews and first responders must be given priority on the roadways. Help them by staying home.
- Stranded vehicles may be left on the side of the road and marked with yellow caution tape.
- If you see a vehicle with yellow tape on a mirror or wrapped around it, first responders have already checked it, and it is not an emergency.
- For the latest road conditions, visit DriveNC.gov.
3. Use generators and space heaters safely
- Practice safety when using a generator or a space heater.
- Follow manufacturer instructions.
- Never use generators indoors or in enclosed spaces.
- Keep space heaters away from flammable materials.
- Install and check carbon monoxide detectors if available.
For the latest weather updates and information on local shelters, please visit wake.gov/weather.
