Update 11:00 P.M. Wednesday:

Vance County Schools on 2 hour delay Thursday for all students and school system employees.

Victory Christian school and daycare will operate on a 2 hour delay Thursday.

Crossroads Christian will be on a 2 hr delay Thursday morning.

[spacer height=”default”]Winter weather Wednesday evening may affect area travel and result in closings or delays that last into Thursday morning.  A quick dusting of snow is possible.  Check back here (wizs.com, facebook.com/wizsradio, twitter.com/wizsradio) for a list of closings or delays.

The latest National Weather Service briefing as supplied by Brian Short, Director of Emergency Operations for Henderson and Vance County, states, “Light snow and snow showers will develop this afternoon as an upper level disturbance tracks rapidly east across the Carolinas. A dusting to less than a half inch of snow accumulation is possible. However, roads are cold, so despite the light nature of the snow, hazardous travel impacts could still quickly develop.”

Not skipping ahead, but in addition to this first winter weather, the greater concern right now appears to be what is forecast versus what will actually happen later this week, Thursday night, Friday and into Saturday.

As of 4:00 P.M. Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Raleigh had issued a WINTER STORM WATCH, which is in effect from late Thursday night through Saturday afternoon.

The NWS briefing continues, “Confidence is growing that a major winter storm is taking shape for central North Carolina for early Friday through Saturday. While a winter storm appears probable, significant uncertainty remains regarding details on timing, precipitation type, amount, and possible impacts. Residents of central North Carolina are urged to pay close attention to the forecast as the week progresses.”

In regard to the second storm, Short has called an 8:30 A.M. local briefing on Thursday for local officials needing to prepare, and it is likely that if you are one of those local officials you have received that notification by email.

On Tuesday afternoon, Department of Transportation crews began brining operations on interstates and major highways and their ramps, as well as bridges. Crews resumed the brining process after morning rush hour on Wednesday.  Residential streets were brined in the Henderson area by local crews.

In a press release issued by Governor Pat McCrory, citizens are urged to review winter safety tips:

• Keep alternative heating sources prepared. If you have a fireplace, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them.
• Do not use charcoal grills or generators indoors; the fumes can be deadly.
• Turn off electrical appliances that were on when the power went off to avoid a power surge when the electricity is restored.
• Use flashlights. Do not use candles; they greatly increase the chance of having a fire in your home.
• Limit your activities to no more than two rooms and close off unneeded rooms.
• Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors and cover windows at night to keep cold air out and warm air in.
• If you have well water, fill up tubs and buckets with water so if the power goes out you still have water.
• Remember to eat and drink regularly. Food provides the body with energy to produce its own heat.
• Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Wear layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.  Layering clothes keeps you warmer than a single layer of heavy clothing.  Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.