State of emergency activated ahead of winter storm in Fayetteville and Cumberland County

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin has declared a state of emergency as Fayetteville and Cumberland County brace for a major winter storm expected to bring ice and hazardous conditions to the area.

At a media briefing Friday afternoon, county officials urged residents to prepare by stocking up on essentials such as water and non-perishable food. Forecasts are calling for up to a quarter inch of ice across the county, raising concerns about power outages, downed trees, and dangerous travel conditions.

Local tree removal crews say homeowners are already taking steps to protect their property ahead of the storm.

"The calls have been going through the roof," said Kaylum Graham, owner of Elite Tree Service in Fayetteville.

Graham said he typically receives only a few calls a day, but demand surged on Friday. During an interview, his phone rang repeatedly.

Graham said knowing which trees to remove could prevent serious injuries or property damage. He advises residents to watch for leaning trees or overhanging branches and to call a professional if they are unsure.

"Ultimately, I think you should call a professional and have them come out and give you a free thought assessment. To prevent a lot of damage to properties? Somebody's getting killed," Graham said.

County officials say emergency crews are working nonstop to prepare for the storm.

"Make sure you prepare an emergency kit with at least 5 to 7 days of food and water," said Garry Crumpler, director of Cumberland County Emergency Services.

Crumpler also urged residents to stay off the roads to reduce accidents and preserve limited emergency resources. Over the past several days, both the city and county have spread salt on major highways, including Interstate 95, Interstate 295, and Highway 301.

"For everyone else, we ask that you please stay off the roadways. It's imperative. Our first responders here locally, we only have so many resources. And once those resources are exhausted, just like a hurricane, there may be a prolonged time that first responders have to get to you," Crumpler said.

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Officials warn that winter storms can cause unpredictable, prolonged power outages, making early preparation essential.

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Key information

Here's a list of city services impacted by the winter storm.

• Fayetteville Area of System Transit (FAST) will suspend services, and the FAST Center will close Saturday, Jan. 24, at 3 p.m. No services will be provided on Sunday, Jan. 24.

• Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation (FCPR) has cancelled all basketball games for Saturday, Jan. 24. FCPR facilities will remain open for any previously scheduled rentals but otherwise will not operate. All facilities will be closed Sunday, Jan. 25. Facilities will delay morning openings to 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan 26.

• An emergency shelter will open in Westover Recreation Center, 267 Bonanza Drive, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24.

• Passengers traveling through the Fayetteville Regional Airport should check with their airlines before arriving at the airport for the latest flight status information. They are encouraged to contact their airline directly for any questions on travel and/or flight schedules.