NCDOT crews pretreat roads, HVAC technicians get increased calls as winter weather nears

WAKE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- From the roads to right at home, thousands across the triangle are getting ready for a blast of winter weather this weekend.

Frigid air and a wintry mix are expected to impact thousands across central North Carolina early Sunday.

Kim Deaner from NC DOT says crews pretreated major highways, primary roads, and known trouble spots on our local roads. Signs along I-40 warned drivers Friday about anti-icing preparations taking place.

"We'll be brining by putting rock salt down as needed, sand down as needed," she said. "We'll just really see what Mother Nature gives us and we'll react accordingly."

She says crews will be on standby in case they need to plow snow this weekend, and will address other potential freezing hazards on the road.

"Normally in an event like this, if it plays out like it looks like it's going to play out, brine really does a whole lot of the work and it's just great that it melts most of the problem areas," she said. "And then we'll obviously be watching for black ice after."

The arctic air is also uncovering some issues at home for some, as local HVAC companies get flooded with calls from homeowners who don't have working heat.

The arctic air is also uncovering some issues at home for some, as local HVAC companies get flooded with calls from homeowners who don't have working heat.

Brian Broadney is a heating & air service professional with Blanton's.

"All of a sudden, when it drops this cold, then all of a sudden you realize, 'Oh, my heat's not working,'" he said.

Broadney has been a technician for more than three decades. He says he tells all of his customers that the key to a healthy heating system lies in consistently changing filters and staying on top of proper maintenance.

"Maintenance is key. Just like when you go to take your car to get serviced, just like when you go to the doctor's to get checked out. Your system runs year-round, and you need to get the service," he said. "You need to get maintenance on it because again, we can catch a small problem before it turns into a major problem."

Broadney recommends changing air filters every three months.

NCDOT will be back out Saturday to treat roads with more brine.

Black Ice Explained

Black ice is a thin layer of ice that blends in with dark surfaces like pavement or asphalt, making it nearly impossible to see. That's what makes it so dangerous for drivers.