Winter storm hits Central North Carolina, bringing ice and sleet

Johnston County declared a State of Emergency Saturday morning.

"County officials and Emergency Services staff encourage residents to continue preparing for potential power outages, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor weather conditions closely to stay informed throughout the weather event," the county said in an email.

The following White Flag shelters are in place for people in need during extreme cold conditions:

Street Reach of Johnston County
(919) 912-9854
Receiving hours begin at 2:00 p.m. today

Smithfield Rescue Mission
(919) 205-1977

The Salvation Army
(470) 753-6439
Receiving hours begin today

County-facilitated shelter
600 M. Durwood Stephenson Parkway
Smithfield, NC
Opens at 1 p.m. today

The Johnston County Emergency Operations Center will be activated today at noon to coordinate storm response and support partner agencies. Upon activation, residents with non-emergency questions related to the storm may call (919) 989-5400.

Governor Josh Stein posted on X, saying the White House has approved his request for an Emergency Declaration.

"We are grateful for their partnership and quick response," he wrote. "Rest assured, at the state level, we are coordinating with officials at the local and federal levels to ensure we are doing everything we can to weather this storm and keep you safe."

UNC Health Urgent Care clinics will close early Saturday afternoon and remain closed on Sunday, Jan. 25 and Monday, Jan. 26.

Most of UNC Health outpatient clinics will also be closed on Monday, Jan. 26.

"Clinic staff will contact patients to reschedule appointments. In some cases, providers will work with patients remotely via virtual visits," the health care system said in a news release.

A winter storm is expected to impact the area this weekend, with forecasts suggesting it could rival the infamous 2002 ice storm that crippled the Triangle and left over half a million people without power for days.

For those who haven't experienced a storm of this magnitude, the potential impact may be difficult to imagine. One Raleigh resident who lived through the 2002 storm recalled the event

"Well, you kept hearing tree branches falling, and I thought, Oh, we're not going to have any power for months. And then that was about true, but they did the best they could. But everybody was in the same thing. So you know, if you just hunker down and make the most of it."

She also recalled children having to spend the night at school because buses couldn't travel safely. Thankfully, the kids were well taken care of.

For those who haven't experienced a storm of this magnitude, the potential impact may be difficult to imagine.