The ability of freezing rain to accumulate on nearly every surface, including trees, power lines and bridges makes it one of the most dangerous forms of winter weather.

To accurately understand what is happening across our area in real time, the National Weather Service has over 500 weather spotters that have been trained to reports all types of weather, including rain and snowfall reports.

Space heaters are typically involved in 25 perfect of home heating fires and account for 74 percent of the deaths.

Seventy-five percent of all winter weather-related deaths occur on the road, either in accidents or by people becoming stranded. When the weather is bad and driving conditions are poor, the best bet is to stay at home.

Stock an emergency supply of food and water prior to the onset of a winter storm. Severe winter storms can produce conditions which can isolate you in your home for several days.

The most common and dangerous winter weather systems which can produce snow and ice are strong coastal low pressure systems known as nor’easters.

Winter Weather Terminology This page will provide you with some terms the National Weather Service uses to describe winter weather as well as the definitions of watches, warnings, and advisories issued for winter weather events. Watches are issued when a storm … Read more

Throughout the week, daily topics from the National Weather Service on winter weather preparedness will be shared on the Emergency Management and Planning website. 

Winter weather is the most complex weather phenomena that forecasters face in North Carolina.

Although winter comes as no surprise, the snow and freezing rain can cause major disruption to services we take for granted such as roads, public transit, grocery stores and emergency services.