NWS Issues Special Weather Alert for NC

A bitter arctic cold wave winter event is happening in parts of NC today and possibly for the next few days.

Extreme below average temperatures in NC are affecting power demand and could potentially cause power outages.

Photo bysundown001 via Getty Images

The NWS has released this Special Weather Statement:

"Special Weather Statement Alert:

COLD WAVE AFFECTING THE WESTERN CAROLINAS AND NORTHEAST

GEORGIA

A very cold arctic airmass will remain over the area through today.

Morning temperatures in the single digits are expected across the mountains, with mostly teens across the remainder of the area.

Temperatures will rebound slightly through tonight, but conditions will remain 10-15 degrees below normal. The cold wave will end Monday, when high temperatures are expected to warm to near normal.

The cold weather will result in high demand for electricity across the region. Power outages may result from the heavy electrical load. Those who require electricity for heating or medical equipment should consider backup heat or electrical sources.

Take steps now to protect your property and health from the extreme cold. If you go outside, wear several layers of loose

fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf.

If driving, keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Check your antifreeze and windshield washer fluid levels. Be sure to carry a fully charged cell phone.

If you are home, consider allowing indoor plumbing fixtures to drip to allow water to trickle through pipes and inhibit freezing.

Use caution with space heaters in order to avoid fire or injury. If emergency generators will be used, they must be situated outdoors in well-ventilated areas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Also, remember to check in on family, friends, and elderly neighbors who might be susceptible to the cold. Do not forget about your pets and livestock. Make sure they have a source of water that will not freeze and a warm place to take shelter from the wind and cold.

Do not attempt to walk on frozen ponds, lakes, or streams, as the ice will not be thick enough to support the weight, even of a child.

A cold wave is defined as average daily temperatures 12 degrees or more below normal mid-January average daily temperatures for 48 hours or longer.

Normal mid-January average daily temperatures are, for Asheville 37, Charlotte 41, and GSP 42. By definition it follows that a cold wave is when the average daily temperature for Asheville is 25, Charlotte is 29, and GSP is 30.

Counties/Locations affected:

Alexander

Avery

Buncombe

Burke Mountains

Cabarrus

Caldwell Mountains

Catawba

Cleveland

Davie

Eastern McDowell

Eastern Polk

Gaston

Graham

Greater Burke

Greater Caldwell

Greater Rutherford

Haywood

Henderson

Iredell

Lincoln

Macon

Madison

McDowell Mountains

Mecklenburg

Mitchell

Northern Jackson

Polk Mountains

Rowan

Rutherford Mountains

Southern Jackson

Swain

Transylvania

Union

Yancey"

Source:

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=NC1268853A5868.SpecialWeatherStatement.12688548F5D0NC.GSPSPSGSP.135543688358f71cb37285cefb9a3c4f