Experts share the final preparation tips before the winter storm arrives

On January 21, 2025By Littum

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – As southeastern North Carolina prepares for potentially several inches of snow arriving Tuesday night into Wednesday, experts say there are several ways to stay prepared and keep you, your home and your car safe against cold temperatures, snow and ice.

Home safety expert Eric Goranson said the keys to keeping your home safe primarily relate to keeping the home warm and preventing pipes from freezing.

“Just make sure you run the water on any of the sinks, faucets, things like that that are on the outside walls because running water tends not to freeze as well,” he said.

Fortunately, widespread power outages are unlikely in this storm, though Goranson said it may still be a good idea to bump the thermostat up a few degrees when the temperature drops. He also said to consider shoveling all the snow while it’s still fresh and parking at the bottom of a hill or at the end of a steep driveway if there are slippery conditions when you need to drive.

When it comes to your car, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is urging drivers to just stay off the roads until they’ve been completely cleared after the storm, with snow and ice likely causing dangerous conditions.

The department has sprayed over 30,000 liters of brine – a salt water solution that helps prevent ice and snow from sticking to the pavement – on roads around New Hanover County and has nine snow plows ready to clear anything stuck.

“This is where we can shine,” said NCDOT Engineer Blake Jacobs. “When there’s a tornado, hurricane or winter weather, we have to actually go out and do something for our community.”

But if drivers do decide to hit the roads, Carl Brewer — an assistant manager at Black’s Tire and Auto in Wilmington — said you should first check the oil, tires, battery and windshield wipers to make sure the car can handle the conditions. Filling up on gas is also key, he said. Drivers should also check for jumper cables and have an emergency kit on hand with an ice scraper and flashlight.

And above all else, Brewer said drivers need to take it slow if they’re on the roads.

“Just take your time, that’s the great thing about cold weather – if you get ice on the roads, take your time,” he said.

The experts agree that prioritizing safety above all else during the storm is the most important preparation.