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Winter Storm Update 8 a.m. (12-9-18)
The situation across Vance County is serious and is likely to become more dangerous. Vance County appears, at this time, to be the dividing line for the snow and freezing rain, with a sharp projected difference in the likely snow fall amounts – from 10 inches in the northwest to 4 inches in the southeast.
Brian Short, Henderson-Vance County Director of Emergency Operations says:
“Attached (above link) is the latest from the NWS regarding our current winter storm. The roads are already covered in Vance County, and, as I type this email, the snow is coming down hard. As you can see from the attached graphics there is very tight gradient that splits Vance County with very high amounts of snow depicted in the northwest quadrant. This is of course an estimate and is dependent on a number of factors. Regardless we are still expecting a significant snowfall with this system.
“The concern now is the amount of freezing rain that we are now forecast to receive. It has been increased since the previous briefing and now calls for amounts that are likely to cause significant power outages. The ice accumulation coupled with the wind gusts will almost certainly result in downed trees as well.
“Remember if power should be lost, please do not to use any outdoor sources of heat inside your home, meaning no charcoal or gas grills. This is extremely dangerous and should not be done. If you are using an approved indoor secondary heat source such as kerosene heater, please make sure it is at least 36 inches away from walls or other objects that could ignite from the heat. Also, be extremely careful using candles to light your home in the event of a power loss and keep them away from anything that could ignite easily.
“Remember also not to exert yourself beyond your own physical limitations shoveling snow or performing other outdoor activities. Keep in mind that if travel becomes hazardous it could take our responders longer than normal to reach you, so please use good judgment and be careful with any strenuous activities. Also, remember to take care of your pets. Remember they feel cold just like people do so please bring them inside or make arrangements outside to keep them warm.
“As of now, we are strongly encouraging everyone to stay home and off the roads. Unless you have a job that requires it, please do not venture out. You could get stuck or have an accident and end up stranded in your vehicle until help can arrive. Also, vehicles stranded in the snow can cause response delays for responders as they have to navigate around them….So please stay home and off the roads until it is safe to move around.
“Please continue to monitor the storm closely as it approaches using whatever source of information that you typically use. We will be updating our agency Facebook page regularly and will also continue to forward along additional information via email as it is received.
“We also ask that you DO NOT call 911 to report power outages. There is nothing that 911 can do about that and we cannot have your power restored any faster than if you call the power company your self. However if you lose power and have a life safety issue due to the loss of power, please call 911 immediately and let them know. For everyone else, please call your power company directly and let them know.
“Everyone please stay safe.”
Remember, a State of Emergency remains in effect after Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington and Archie Taylor, chairman of the Vance County Board of Commissioners, proclaimed a State of Emergency for the City of Henderson and County of Vance beginning Friday, December 7, 2018, at 5 p.m. The State of Emergency will be in effect for a period of four days unless rescinded by authorities. General Emergency Protective Measures are in place. No public restrictions are in place at this time.