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North Carolina Department of Transportation crews have been busy applying a salt/water mix to brine roadways ahead of the expected winter storm.

They started Wednesday to get a head start and continued working all day Thursday.

There are two salt plants producing 320 gallons of brine per minute. The NCDOT's Division 5 will have nearly 350 trucks on the road Thursday and Friday.

As the Triangle braces for its first snowfall in three years and with the bitter cold expected to linger for several days, preparations are being made to help the homeless and others with limited resources.

In Wake County, there are white-flag shelters but this weekend, there will be an added layer of winter weather that volunteers say will make keeping those vulnerable people safe even trickier.

"When we add winter precipitation like we're going to see this weekend, that adds layers of complexity, said Vance Haywood, pastor of St. John's Community Church, where he helps run the white flag shelter. "Talking about the ice forming that poses additional threats to limbs falling out of trees. Not a big deal for folks who just have to clean up their yard the next day, but for someone who's living in a tent in the woods, that now becomes an additional life safety hazard.

Haywood said the winter weather also creates logistical concerns -- both for those seeking shelter -- many of whom ride the bus -- as well as for volunteers who may face challenges getting to their shelter locations.

Their shelter is at 5010 Second Street in Raleigh.