January 10 – Across Haywood County and North Carolina, people are bracing for the coming winter storm. From local councils to emergency services, it is all hands on deck to ensure people stay safe in the treacherous conditions.
The state’s response
On Friday morning, Governor Josh Stein held a briefing on the expected impact of the storm.
Stein asked everyone to stay off the road unless absolutely necessary to drive — something echoed at the news conference by North Carolina Emergency Management Director William Ray and Department of Transportation Director Joey Hopkins.
“The winter storm will likely impact much of our state. Our biggest concern at this time is road safety,” Stein said. “Everyone should be careful on our roads. Avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary.”
Hopkins said more than 1,900 NC Department of Transportation (DOT) employees and contractors have helped prepare for the storm and are ready to return to action as soon as snow hits the state’s roadways.
He also said that more than 3 million liters of brine have already been used to treat roads, and that more than 600 trucks with plows are ready for use.
“Travel could be treacherous for days in some parts of the state,” Hopkins said. “We will work hard to get your roads cleared as quickly as possible.”
Ray said anyone who must drive should first remove all snow and ice from their vehicle, reduce their speed and increase following distance.
“Hazardous travel conditions are expected today and could continue into Saturday evening,” Ray said.
In Helene’s wake, several people are still displaced as the winter storm rolls into Western North Carolina.
“We know this winter storm comes at a terrible time, making a difficult time in your life even harder. We will be with you every step of the way. We will not give up,” Stein said.
Ray added that people need to come together now, just like they did during Helene.
“We ask people to stay alert, informed and check on your neighbors,” Ray said. “During a disaster or major event, we are stronger together and create more resilient communities.”
Haywood County Emergency Services
Haywood County emergency responders are ready for whatever this winter weather throws at the county.
“We’re all ready to go and just waiting to see what comes next,” Emergency Services Public Information Officer Allison Richmond said.
Chains are ready for ambulances and emergency medical service personnel are on standby if needed.
They also have access to commercial and all-terrain vehicles in case they need to reach someone stranded by snow.
“We can still reach people if they need help,” Richmond said.
There are no immediate plans to open a shelter, but shelter teams are on standby in case of large-scale power outages.
“That shelter can be set up very quickly, within an hour,” Richmond said. If it is necessary, they will open it and announce it.”
Waynesville Fire Department
Waynesville Fire Department crews are prepared and ready to roll out as soon as the snow rolls in.
“We got the chainsaws all sharpened and ready and gassed,” said Waynesville Fire Chief Joey Webb. “We’re monitoring the weather and the roads. We’re ready for whatever happens.”
The department has purchased several new sets of snow chains in preparation for winter storms.
“We have already rolled out our winter chains as needed,” Webb said. “We have already chained up a few trucks in preparation.”
Webb encouraged people to be prepared for the storm with all the supplies they need in the event of a power outage, such as blankets, food and water.
“Hopefully, if the power goes out, people are prepared for that,” he said.
Requests for assistance may vary.
“It depends on the time of day the storm hits,” Webb said. “When people are at work and trying to get home, we see a lot of accidents. Sometimes we see trees and power lines falling.”
The department also responds to arcing power lines fairly regularly during winter storms.
“If a tree branch gets caught in a power line, it will arc and burn. But if it’s not near a house, it’s usually not a hazard, but we’ll come out and check,” Webb said.
Waynesville Police Department
Waynesville Police Department officers stand ready to protect and serve, even when there are inches of snow on the ground.
The main focus has been on ensuring vehicles are ready for use, especially any vehicles that may have four-wheel drive.
“The most important thing is to have vehicles ready in case the snow starts to snow heavily,” said Waynesville Police Chief David Adams. “We ensure that our backup vehicles have sufficient fuel and that the tire pressure is correct.”
The department will also provide updates on the Waynesville Police app.
“We will keep road conditions up to date,” Adams said. “…We encourage people to stay home if they don’t need to go out when the snow starts. And always be careful of downed power lines.”
The chief said police are often called during a snowstorm for accidents, welfare checks and people asking questions about road conditions.
City of Clyde
In Clyde, the city is preparing for the storm by making sure all bases are covered.
Staff ensure equipment is ready to use when snow falls.
“We have supplies on hand. We have extra parts ready in case there is a break. We have staff on standby to be called in if needed,” said City Manager Joy Garland.
Garland added that the steps they are taking are “normal procedure.”
