A little over 23 years ago, the worst ice storm in recent North Carolina history wreaked havoc on our area — up to an inch of it accumulated in Sanford and the Triangle area, and more than 1.7 million people lost power (41,000 of them went without power for up to eight days). Property damage in North Carolina alone topped more than $100 million.

The Weather Channel this week ranked the Dec. 4, 2002 storm as the fourth worst ice storm in U.S. history.

WRAL, ABC11, the News & Observer and other area media outlets are comparing the storm expected to hit tonight to that historic ice storm two decades ago, which isn’t great news. Gov. Josh Stein has already declared a state of emergency, and winter storm warnings are now in effect through Monday. From the state:

“Significant wintry precipitation is forecast over the weekend, with major impacts lingering into early next week, including dangerously cold temperatures. Ice accumulation of a quarter inch or more is likely across much of the state Saturday into Monday morning. Hazardous travel conditions are expected to begin by midday Saturday and to worsen through Sunday. Conditions may remain hazardous for several days due to the lingering low temperatures.”

The City of Sanford issued a press release this week detailing its preparations heading into tonight. According to Public Works Director Fedd Walker, Sanford is expected to see sleet, freezing rain and ice accumulation.

“This type of storm, with temperatures hovering near freezing for the next few days, could cause prolonged power outages in addition to very hazardous travel conditions,” he said. “We encourage residents to prepare for the possibility of multi-day travel disruptions.”

He said City of Sanford is actively monitoring the storm’s track and timing. Public Works crews are on standby and ready to assist as needed. Walker added that all transportation and grounds staff are on heightened alert for potential after-hours work. If necessary, crews will work in shifts to respond to conditions as they develop. Tools and resources — including radios, phones, fuel, chainsaws, trucks, backhoes, plows, and salt/sand spreaders — are at the ready, he said.

Crews have begun pretreating high-risk areas such as city-maintained overpasses, bridges, and shaded streets with a mixture of salt and sand. Plows will be deployed on city-maintained streets only in the event of snow accumulation exceeding one inch. The city cannot plow ice, Walker said. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has deployed trucks to brine major highways, major roads, and trouble spots in our area in preparation for the storm.

Power outages and emergencies

Duke Energy and Central Electric are also monitoring the forecast and the potential for power outages. Customers can report outages through the following methods:

  • Duke Energy: Report outages online at duke-energy.com/outages or text “OUT” to 57801. For storm preparedness tips, visit www.duke-energy.com.
  • Central Electric: Report outages by calling 877-766-6769. To report outages by text, customers should first text “PWR” to 919-774-4900 to enroll, and then text “OUT” to report. Visit www.cemcpower.com/outages for more details.

The Sanford Police Department and Sanford Fire Department will operate as usual. In case of life-threatening emergencies, dial 9-1-1. For other urgent concerns, the numbers to call are:

  • 919-775-8268 to report downed trees, flooding in public roadways, and other hazards.
  • 919-775-8215 for water or wastewater concerns.

City services

GFL Environmental expects a delayed start for Monday’s trash and recycling routes, based on current forecasts. Should road conditions remain unsafe, collection will be delayed by at least one day.

Buzzline Microtransit will operate until noon on Saturday. Service will resume based on road conditions. Riders can check www.buzzlinemicro.com for status updates, or call COLTS at 919-776-7201.

For emergency information from the City of Sanford, sign up at www.sanfordnc.net/alerts or text “EmergencyInfo” to 38276. Emergency preparation information is shared on at www.sanfordnc.net/emergencies.

To receive alerts from TriRiver Water, subscribe at www.tririverwater.com/alerts.

The City will provide any necessary updates about our storm response through our website, social media channels, and Spectrum Channel 191. Visit the Media Center at www.sanfordnc.net/media-center for a full list of distribution outlets.