With weather forecasters calling for the possibility of frozen precipitation this weekend, the Town of Wake Forest is fully prepared should wintry weather affect our community. Forecasters say snow, sleet, and freezing rain are all possibilities from Friday evening through Saturday morning.
Town facilities will operate on a normal schedule unless announced otherwise. Any changes will be announced via the Town’s normal communications channels.
Public Works
In anticipation of this winter event, crews will begin applying brine to Wake Forest bridges, overpasses, and traditional slick spots on Thursday morning. Based on the current forecast, staff anticipate continuing preparations at least through Friday evening.
Brine is a salt and water mixture. The use of brine uses less salt since it is applied in liquid form, and the salt can begin to work immediately. Unlike rock salt which can roll off or be blown off hard surfaces, brine bonds to the pavement. It is also more effective than solid salt in lower temperatures. Once ice forms on roads, crews spread a mixture of salt and sand to melt the ice.
Wake Forest has over 300 tons of sand/salt mix supply on site, along with eight truck-mounted plows, one motor grader and two backhoes available to clear Wake Forest’s 156 miles of roads. Crews are positioned to respond around the clock until this event has ended and roads are safe.
In the event of ice or snow, crews will clear thoroughfares and primary roads first. Motorists are urged not to park on the street, so plows and other Town equipment can effectively service the area. The Town does not clear school parking lots or private parking lots, including those in apartment and condominium complexes or at businesses.
Personnel will spend time today and tomorrow clearing obstructions from storm drains along local streets and roadways. You can assist in this effort and help prevent flooding by clearing debris from storm drains along your streets.
When to call 911
Attention Motorists
In the event of wintry weather, motorists are urged to stay off the roads – unless absolutely necessary. When you venture out on the roads, you not only put yourself at risk, but you also put others in jeopardy. Then, if you are involved in an accident, police officers and first responders are at risk. You can help yourself, your neighbors, law enforcement and first responders by simply staying off the roads.
If you must venture out, first remove the ice and snow from your vehicle, particularly from the hood, windows, and roof. Ice and snow that dislodges from a moving vehicle can create hazardous driving conditions for other vehicles resulting in property damage and/or injury.
Also, while driving, turn on your headlights, and give extra following distance to allow more stopping time on slippery surfaces.
Wake Forest Power
Wake Forest Power works to minimize storm impacts year-round through preventive maintenance, including trimming of trees around Wake Forest’s 140 miles of overhead electric distribution lines. Downed trees and limbs are the leading cause of power outages during storms.
If you lose power
- Wake Forest Power customers call 919-435-9478 or visit https://bit.ly/WFPowerReportOutage.
- Wake Electric customers call 855-280-1147;
- Duke Energy Progress customers call 800-419-6356.
Stay Informed
In the event severe weather occurs, the Town will issue regular updates through a variety of means. To stay informed residents can:
- Visit the Severe Weather Updates page on the Town website at http://bit.ly/WFSevereWeatherUpdates.
- Visit the Town Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TownofWakeForest/
- Download the Town app at http://bit.ly/TOWFApp.
- Sign up for Town alerts and email notifications at https://bitly/WFEnotifier
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