ROCKINGHAM — Richmond County is now under a winter storm warning.
The National Weather Service updated the alert status just before 1 p.m. Friday, with a warning in effect from 7 p.m. Saturday until 1 p.m. Monday.
The most recent forecast calls for a mixture of sleet and freezing rain Saturday night and throughout the day and night Sunday — with up to a half-inch of accumulation in the southern part of the county and up to an inch in the northern two-thirds — before switching over to rain Sunday night.
However, with overnight temperatures dropping to below freezing, roads could be hazardous.
The overnight low Monday into Tuesday is supposed to drop to around 11 degrees. Areas north of U.S. 64 could see sub-zero wind-chill values.
The Richmond County government has declared a state of emergency ahead of the weekend winter storm.
According to a press release issued Thursday night, Richmond County Emergency Services will activate the Emergency Operations Center at noon Saturday, Jan. 24 “ to coordinate response efforts and ensure public safety.
An emergency shelter will also open at noon Saturday at Richmond Senior High School for residents who need a place to stay warm or are displaced due to prolonged power outages.
The shelter will provide meals starting at 6 p.m. Saturday. Those planning to use the shelter are encouraged to bring snacks, drinks, medications and other personal supplies.
County officials say the shelter is not pet-friendly “due to the lack of equipment needed to accommodate animals.” However, service animals are allowed and owners must have official documents verifying their status.
Residents are encouraged make sure they have food, medication, batteries and other supplies, charge electric devices and limit travel once precipitation starts.
Emergency officials remind residents to report power outages to their electric company, not by calling 911.
