Snowstorm leads to extreme cold, closed schools, businesses, travel dangers in NC | Live Updates

A winter storm warning will take effect from Friday at 10 p.m. to Sunday at 1 p.m. for Coastal Plain and eastern Sandhills, with 5 to 8 inches of snow expected and localized significant amounts possible. Winds may gust up to 35 mph.

For the Piedmont and western Sandhills, the warning will be in effect from Friday at 4 p.m. to Sunday at 7 a.m., with 4 to 7 inches of snow anticipated and localized areas of significant accumulation possible.

All of Central North Carolina:

• A cold weather advisory is in effect from 1 a.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday, with very cold wind chills ranging from near zero to 9 degrees.
• An extreme cold watch remains in effect from late Saturday night through Sunday morning, with dangerously cold wind chills as low as 5 below possible.

Are you ready for the weekend snow? It's coming.

On Friday, clouds move in, and the snow begins to fall late Friday night into Saturday. It is expected to continue off and on through early Sunday morning across the entire ABC11 viewing area.

A Winter Storm Warning for the area will likely be issued on Friday, and an Extreme Cold Warning is possible on Saturday.

The forecast could still shift on Friday morning asmore of the overnight data comes in.

ABC11's Chief Meteorologist Don Schwenneker contributed.

With another winter storm coming to North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is offering tips for getting prepared and staying safe.

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced whenever fuel is burned. Carbon monoxide can be deadly within minutes.

• Never use a generator, outdoor grill, camp stove or propane stove inside your home, basement or garage - even with doors or windows open.

• Run generators, gasoline-powered tools and engines outside at least 20 feet from doors, windows and air vents.

• Install a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home. If you already have a carbon monoxide alarm, test it and replace batteries.

• Know the warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning: dizziness, fatigue, nausea, headaches, confusion or fainting. If you experience these symptoms, get to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention.

Plan for possible power outages

Think through what your household needs for several days without power.

• Medical needs: If you use medical equipment that needs electricity (oxygen, CPAP, other devices), make a backup plan now. Charge batteries and power banks. Keep a written list of medicines and doses.

• Supplies: Stock basics like drinking water, easy-to-eat foods, baby and pet supplies, blankets, flashlight and extra batteries. Have a plan for how you will stay warm should you lose power. Learn more about building an emergency kit.

• Food safety: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. If you're unsure whether food is safe for consumption after a long outage, when in doubt, throw it out.

• Feeding an infant: If possible, keep ready-to-feed formula on hand. If you use powdered formula, plan for safe water and clean hands/surfaces. Use bottled water if your water may not be safe. If you breastfeed, continue to do so - it's the safest way to feed your baby in emergencies. If you use an electric breast pump, review how to hand express your milk. Breastmilk is safe for up to four hours at room temperature. If you pump breast milk, plan to keep milk cold during outages, such as with a cooler or ice packs. If milk warms and you're unsure if it's safe, discard it.

3. Reduce preventable injuries

Prevent storm-related injuries at home

• Use flashlights instead of candles when possible.

• If you use space heaters, keep them at least three feet from anything that can burn, such as curtains, bedding and furniture. Plug heaters directly into the wall, not into power strips.

• Wear shoes with good traction to avoid slips on ice.

• Avoid driving unless you must.

Durham Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay on Friday for all students and staff, including central services.

The decision was made to allow for safer travel conditions in the morning, DPS said.

Before-school programs will also operate on a two-hour delay. Families of bus riders are strongly encouraged to reference the Edulog Parent Portal app for the latest information on bus routes in the morning. Expect delays as bus drivers will be driving cautiously on their routes.

Employees who are designated as essential personnel during inclement weather should report to work as directed by their supervisors.