ROCKINGHAM — A winter storm watch has turned into a warning as a system bringing snow to the region draws near.
The National Weather Service upgraded the status early Friday morning. The warning will be in effect from 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30 until 7 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 1.
Forecasters have moved the timing of the start of the snowfall to Friday evening, with an estimated total of 6-8 inches for Richmond County.
An accumulation map shows much of North Carolina is expected to receive that amount, while some areas closer to the coast could see up to a foot of snow. The westernmost corner, between Murphy and the Tennessee state line, is predicted to receive 2-3 inches — the lowest amount in the state.
“Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous,” reads the NWS alert. Travel could be very difficult or even impossible at times Saturday into Sunday.”
Those who must travel are encouraged to keep a flashlight, food and water in their vehicles in case of emergency.
In addition to the snow, forecasters are also warning of cold temperatures and moderate winds, leading to a cold weather advisory and extreme cold watch — both going into effect at 1 a.m. Saturday.
Temps are expected to drop below freezing for more than 24 hours, with an overnight low of 21, high on Saturday of 25, low of 16 into early Sunday morning and a high just above freezing on Sunday before dropping to around 8 into Monday morning.
“Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures,” reads the NWS alert. “An extended period of freezing temperatures could cause ruptured water pipes.”
Other impacts include the possibility of scattered power outages from falling trees. However, forecasters say widespread outages are not expected.
Richmond County Emergency Services encourages residents to:
The town of Hoffman has rescheduled its monthly board meeting for Monday, Feb. 9.
