FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Cumberland County Emergency Services joins the National Weather Service (NWS) in observing Dec. 3 – 9 as Winter Weather Preparedness Week. Emergency Services encourages residents and businesses to be prepared for hazards that could occur due to dangerous winter weather.
According to the North Carolina State Climate Office, “We expect near-to above-normal temperatures on average this winter, with the potential for at least brief cooler stretches by January or February.” In addition, the office says, “A timely combination of cold air and moisture, with just the right amounts of each, could mean frozen precipitation.”
In 2022 Cumberland County experienced winter weather that caused slick roads and localized power outages.
“We urge all residents to prepare for hazards such as freezing rain and high winds that could bring down weak or dead vegetation and weigh down power lines. In addition, black ice could cause slick roads that could increase roadway incidents,” Emergency Management Coordinator Garry Crumpler said.
The NWS wishes for residents to understand the difference between a winter weather watch, warning and advisory.
A winter weather watch is issued when a storm is in its early stage of development and may create conditions that may harm life and property. Hazardous winter weather is only a possibility, not a certainty.
A winter weather warning is issued when the threat to life and property from severe weather is imminent or has already begun.
A winter weather advisory is issued for less serious weather conditions that will not cause immediate threat to life and property. Advisories will be issued when weather conditions will impact motorists, outdoor activities or public events. These events could become life-threatening if proper precautions are not taken.
The NWS and Cumberland County Emergency Services offer the following tips:
- Prepare your home for winter
- Know the dangers associated with driving in winter weather
- Practice indoor winter safety
- Know the dangers associated with freezing rain and sleet
Residents can find additional information on these safety topics by visiting Weather.gov.
Get information about severe weather and other emergencies by signing up for the Cumberland Alerts notification system. The Cumberland Alerts system enables Emergency Services to provide critical information about incidents such as severe weather, evacuations and protective actions. You will receive time-sensitive messages wherever you specify, such as your home, mobile, or business phones, email address and text messages. To sign up, visit the Cumberland County homepage at cumberlandcountync.gov/home, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the Cumberland Alerts icon.
Learn more about Emergency Services by going to cumberlandcountync.gov/emergencyservices or follow social media at facebook.com/CumberlandCountyNC911.