Freezing Rain For WNC Tuesday, Wet Weather In Upstate SC

***Tuesday, February 2, 6:09 a.m. Update***

FORECAST

A winter weather advisory is in effect for the far northern mountain counties of western North Carolina until noon...

Low pressure to our southeast will keep moisture over the area through a good portion of the day, meaning rain chances will stick around, tapering off this afternoon. Temperatures will be cold enough in the northern mountains of western North Carolina through the rest of the morning to allow for freezing rain and/or sleet to fall. Temperatures will rise above freezing by late morning, changing all precipitation back to rain. Enough ice accumulation could occur to cause travel troubles this morning, so use extra caution if you need to be on the roads.

As this system moves on, skies should start to clear overnight. The mountains may see a lingering snow shower or two along the Tennessee border before clearing takes place. Sunny skies and milder weather will be in place for Wednesday.

Our next storm system moves in for Thursday night and Friday, with precipitation that could linger into early Saturday. Temperatures will be cold enough for some areas to have a concern for some wintry weather...more so in the mountains than in the Upstate. With the forecast trending slightly warmer, we end up with mainly rain in the Upstate, although periods of a wintry mix may be possible both Thursday and Friday nights when temperatures will be at their lowest. Colder temperatures in the mountains will increase the period of a possible wintry mix there. All precipitation should wind down Saturday.

For your Live VIPIR forecast, click here.

ROAD CONDITIONS

UNDATED (AP) - More rough weather could be in store even as states like North Carolina try to recover from the storm that just ended. Forecasters say a bit of freezing rain tonight into tomorrow could add to black ice woes North Carolina already faces. North Carolina's governor said yesterday the winter storm that
left parts of the Southeast and mid-Atlantic states a frozen mess left four dead in her state. Gov. Beverly Perdue told a media briefing yesterday that a pedestrian was killed in Wayne County on Saturday night when he was struck by a snow plow. Two people died shoveling snow and one person fell during a nighttime walk in the woods. Forecasters say computer models suggest another winter weather system could develop later in the week affecting some of the
Southeast and mid-Atlantic states, but it's too early to be certain.

Watch Elizabeth Owens' story:
Local Crews Will Restaff Tuesday Morning to Maintain Upstate Roads

On Saturday night the big concern was freezing roads. Elizabeth Owens reports

Latest updates on SC road conditions

Click here for video.

Rich Klindworth reports on people coping with no power and frozen roads Saturday and Sunday

GSP DELAYS

The runways at GSP ar back to normal after closing Saturday morning to to weather issues.
See real-time flight information here.

CLOSINGS AND DELAYS

Some SC Schools Closed
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Some schools were closed and others were opening late because of the snow and ice dumped on northern South Carolina by a weekend storm. Multiple media outlets reported that patches of ice left over from the storm were making driving dangerous early Monday. Schools were closed in Cherokee, Greenville, Lancaster and York counties. Delayed openings were planned in Chester, Oconee, Pickens and Spartanburg counties. As many as 10,000 people lost power during the storm, but service had been restored by Monday morning. Spartanburg County authorities were investigating the death of a man as possibly weather-related. Forty-nine-year-old Thomas Smith Jr. was found dead on an icy road north of Inman early Sunday. Spartanburg County Charles Clevenger says Smith might have fallen and died from the blow.

POWER OUTAGES

Power companies worked throughout the weekend to restore power to thousands across the Upstate and Western North Carolina. According to Duke Energy power has been restored to all customers in South Carolina. Work still continues in Western North Carolina to restore power for Duke customers in Jackson, Macon, and Swain Counties. To check on power outages click on the links for Duke Energy and Progress Energy

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA UPDATE

ASHEVILLE – Public works crews continued plowing, sanding and salting roads through the night. Primary roads are passable and crews are now focusing on secondary and neighborhood streets within the city. In the event of an emergency, citizens are urged to call 9-1-1. Citizens who are in need of prescription medications or medical supplies and services but are unable to leave their homes due to hazardous roadway conditions may call 252-1110 for assistance. Residents are asked to call 251-1122 to report downed trees, water problems or questions about sanitation pickup.

News Channel 7's Jonathan Carlson has been covering the winter storm in western North Carolina since it started. You can watch his report from the weekend here: Jonathan Carlson reports.

SNOW STORM HIT FRIDAY

Liz Owens reports on the wintry weather from Inman

NC ACTIVATED EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER FRIDAY

From the office of Gov. Bev Perdue:
RALEIGH, NC - North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue has directed that the State Emergency Operations Center become operational Saturday at 7 a.m. to respond to and recover from the winter storm that will hit much of the state this weekend. Over the past several days, members of the State Emergency Response Team have been preparing for the storm. State and county emergency management officials have been in close contact with each other, State Highway Patrol troopers and N.C. National Guard soldiers are on standby and transportation crews have been treating the roads with salt and brine. Thirty National Guard Soldiers are prepared to help provide transportation to emergency or law enforcement crews if needed. They also have several generator teams on standby and are prepared to assist with other recovery missions if needed. The State Highway Patrol has placed its 1,800 troopers on alert to help assist with stranded motorists. "The best advice for North Carolinians is to get ready for the storm and stay home this weekend," said Secretary Reuben Young of the N.C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. "This storm will impact the entire state with snow, sleet, freezing rain or some combination. Travel will be hazardous, if not impossible, so we're asking that everyone stay off the roads." The National Weather Service predicts that much of the northern half of the state will get between five and 10 inches of snow. The southern part of the state may see between one and five inches of snow in addition to sleet and freezing rain. In addition, there could be wind gusts of 15 to 25 mile per hour. "The combination of soggy ground, with heavy snow, freezing rain and wind could bring trees down and cause widespread power outages," Young said. "The utility companies have been very responsive, but folks should be prepared with alternate heating source in case they lose power." Citizens are offered the following tips:
*Keep alternative heating sources prepared. If you have a fireplace, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them.
*Do not use charcoal grills or generators indoors.
*Turn off electrical appliances that were on when the power went off to avoid a power surge when the electricity is restored.
*Use flashlights. Do not use candles; they greatly increase the chance of having a fire in your home.
*Limit your activities to no more than two rooms and close off unneeded rooms.
*Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors and cover windows at night to keep cold air out and warm air in.
*Remember to eat and drink regularly. Food provides the body with energy to produce its own heat.
*Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration.
*Wear layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Layering clothes keeps you warmer than a single layer of heavy clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.
*If you have well water, fill up tubs and buckets with water so if the power goes out you still have water.
*Temperatures are going to be in the teens to twenties across the state throughout Saturday and Sunday. The temperature is not expected to get above freezing until Tuesday.

Some additional items you may need to have on hand include:
*Battery-powered flashlight(s), a portable radio and/or TV with additional, fresh batteries for each
*A non-electric can opener
*Extra warm clothing
*Extra blankets or sleeping bags
*A first aid kit, including all essential medications

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF ANSWERS CALL FOR HEATING HELP
Deputies deliver firewood and kerosene to the elderly. Watch Chris Cato's story.

FUN IN THE SNOW

Watch Connie LeGrand's story on the lighter side on winter weather.

EMERGENCY MANGEMENT PLANS IN ANDERSON COUNTY
Watch Carmen Coursey's report on Emergency plans in Anderson County.

SNOW AT THE STATE LINE
Highway Patrol is warning drivers about ice and snow on Interstate 26
Video of snow falling at the North Carolina/South Carolina state line Friday Evening

SNOW IN HENDERSONVILLE

Video of Snow falling in Hendersonville Friday Evening

STATE OF EMERGENCY ISSUED

Buncombe County Emergency Management says A STATE OF EMERGENCY will be in place as of 5PM in Buncombe County and last for the duration of the storm. Emergency Management says the Issue is so that the County will be available for Federal and State financial help if needed. Gov. Bev Perdue has directed that the State Emergency Operations Center become operational Saturday at 7 a.m. to respond to and recover from the winter storm that will hit much of the state this weekend. Thirty National Guard Soldiers are prepared to help provide transportation to emergency or law enforcement crews if needed. They also have several generator teams on standby and are prepared to assist with other recovery missions if needed. The State Highway Patrol has placed its 1,800 troopers on alert to help assist with stranded motorists.

DRIVING ON ICE:
Watch Chris Cato's story with the experts at BMW showing you what to do if you start to slide on the ice.

PREPARING YOUR HOME

The following information is from the Insurance News Service.

South Carolinians Need to Protect Against Frozen Pipes
Columbia, S.C. – January 2, 2010 – With the weather forecast for temperatures to drop into the teens and lower twenties around South Carolina the next few nights, homeowners and renters need to prevent their homes from being ruined by frozen pipes. Frozen plumbing that leads to burst pipes can easily produce several thousand dollars in property damage for a home and if no one is home at the time those losses can reach tens of thousands of dollars. Nationally, in 2007, water damage (including frozen, burst pipes) accounted for about 22 percent of all homeowners insurance claims accordint to the Insurance Information Institute. The average claim was for $5,531. Standard homeowners and renters insurance provides coverage for burst pipes, wind driven rain and damage resulting from ice dams on your roof. Some policies cover sewer and drain backups, but many do not; however, you can purchase a sewer backup rider to a homeowners or renters policy for approximately an additional $50 each year, with the policy limits varying depending upon the insurer. Every year thousands of American families' homes are ruined and lives disrupted each winter when water pipes freeze and burst. South Carolinians might see a bigger problem than those in the North because of houses with slab foundations and water pipes running through the attic. Also, southern homeowners don't think freezing is a problem and don't bother checking the condition or location of pipes in their homes. If the temperature drops to 20 degrees or lower, you could have a problem with frozen pipes. To prepare for freezing weather, the South Carolina Insurance News Service offers the following tips:
Inside Your Home
• Keep the house warm. Set the thermostat for at least 65 degrees, since the temperature inside the walls, where the pipes are located, is substantially colder—a lower temperature will not keep the pipes from freezing.
• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around pipes (particularly in the kitchen and bathroom).
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through an unheated or unprotected space. Or drain the water system, especially if your house will be unattended during cold periods.
• Add extra insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. If too much heat escapes through the attic, it can cause snow or ice to melt on the roof. Water can then re-freeze, causing more snow and ice to build up. This can result in a collapsed roof, and can contribute to ice damming. Ideally, the attic should be five to ten degrees warmer than the outside air. Well-insulated basements and crawl spaces will also help protect pipes from freezing. You may also consider insulating unfinished rooms such as garages to keep pipes from freezing.
• Have the heating system serviced. Furnaces, boilers and chimneys should be serviced at least once a year to prevent fire and smoke damage.
• Check pipes. Look closely for cracks and leaks and have the pipes repaired immediately. Wrap exposed pipes with heating tape.
• Install an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system. This will protect against the increased pressure caused by freezing pipes and can help prevent your pipes from bursting.
• Make sure that smoke and fire alarms are working properly. Residential fires increase in the winter, so it is important to protect your family with working alarm systems. Also, consider installing a carbon dioxide detector, since a well sealed home can trap this toxic gas.
• Learn how to shut the water off and know where your pipes are located. If your pipes freeze, time is of the essence. The quicker you can shut off the water or direct your plumber to the problem, the better chance you have to prevent pipes from bursting.
• Hire a licensed contractor to look for structural damage. If damage is discovered, you can have it repaired immediately rather than waiting for a more severe problem to occur. Also, ask about ways to prevent water damage resulting from snow-related flooding. Plastic coatings for internal basement walls, sump pumps and other methods can prevent flood damage to your home and belongings.
For information on carbon monoxide poisoning and things to check at your house click here.

Outside Your Home
• Clean out gutters. Remove leaves, sticks and other debris from gutters, so melting snow and ice can flow freely. This can prevent ice damming—a condition where water is unable to drain through the gutters and instead seeps into the house causing water to drip from the ceiling and walls.
• Fit exposed pipes with insulation sleeves and/or UL listed heat tape. Two inches of insulation is optimal. The more insulation the better.
• Drain the water from sprinkler systems and exterior pool/spa supply lines, especially if your house will be unattended during cold periods.
• Remove and drain garden hoses. If the supply line to the hose bib has a shut off valve, shut off the supply to the house bib and drain the supply line.
• Install gutter guards. Available in most hardware and home stores, “gutter guards” prevent debris from entering the gutter and interfering with the flow of water away from the house and into the ground.
• Trim trees and remove dead branches. Ice, snow and wind can cause weak trees or branches to break, causing damage to your home or car, as well as injury to people on your property.
• Repair steps and handrails. This may prevent someone from falling and being seriously injured. Broken stairs and banisters can become lethal when covered with snow and ice.
• Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations. Use caulking to protect water pipes and make sure that skylights and other roof openings have proper weather stripping to prevent snowmelt from seeping in.
• Learn how to turn off the water supply to your home or call your water supplier in case of burst pipes.
(Sources: Insurance Information Institute and the Institute for Business & Home Safety)
If you are going to be away from home for an extended period, take special care. Turn the water off and/or have the water system drained by a professional to keep pipes from freezing or bursting. Also, hire someone to check your home on a regular basis. If there is a problem, it can be fixed quickly, thus lessening any damage. Activity at your home will also reduce the likelihood that it will be burglarized.
For more tips on homeowners insurance, link to www.scinsurance.net.

CAR CARE

Safe Driving and Well-Maintained Vehicles Even More Important During Winter Months
Information from the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)
Winter, is a time when safe driving and well-maintained vehicles take on even greater importance, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)
“Drivers should always avoid speeding, keep their tires properly inflated, and have their car’s brakes checked regularly. These steps are critical as motorists in many parts of the country prepare to combat snow, high winds and icy road conditions,” said Michael Barry, vice president, Media Relations, for the I.I.I.
The good news is that the number of overall U.S. traffic fatalities reported in 2008 hit its lowest level since 1961, and a statistical projection for the first six months of 2009 indicates that figure could drop again by year-end, according to an October 2009 National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) report. However, “failure to keep in proper lane or running off the road” (28 percent) and “driving too fast for conditions” (22 percent) were the two most frequent driver behaviors reported prior to fatal accidents in 2007, NHTSA found, running well ahead of incidents in which the driver was “under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication” (14 percent). In order to avoid potentially dangerous situations until spring arrives in late March 2010, the I.I.I. offers the following winter driving tips:
Give yourself enough time to arrive at your destination. Trips can take longer during winter than other times of the year, especially if you encounter storm conditions or icy roads.
*Bring a cellphone so that those awaiting your arrival can get in touch with you, or you can notify them, if you are running late. But avoid the temptation of using the phone while driving, as it can be a dangerous distraction—pull over first.
*Drive slowly because accelerating, stopping and turning all take longer on snow-covered roads.
*Leave more distance than usual between your vehicle and the one just ahead of you, giving yourself at least 10 seconds to come to a complete stop. Cars and motorcycles usually need at least 3 seconds to halt completely even when traveling on dry pavement.
*Be careful when driving over bridges, as well as roadways rarely exposed to sunlight—they are often icy when other areas are not.
*Avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.
*Be sure to keep your gas tank full. Stormy weather or traffic delays may force you to change routes or turn back. A fuller gas tank also averts the potential freezing of your car's gas-line.
*Keep windshield and windows clear. Drivers in cold-weather states should have a snow brush or scraper in their vehicle at all times. Your car's defroster can be supplemented by wiping the windows with a clean cloth to improve visibility.
*Do not activate your cruise control when driving on a slippery surface.
*Do not warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
*Keep your tires properly inflated and remember that good tread on your tires is essential to safe winter driving.
*Check your exhaust pipe to make sure it is clear. A blocked pipe could cause a leakage of carbon monoxide gas into your car when the engine is running.
Monitor the weather conditions at your destination before beginning your trip. If conditions look as though they are going to be too hazardous, just stay home.
The I.I.I. is a nonprofit, communications organization supported by the insurance industry.
For more information contact the SC Insurance Information Institute
Care Care from Road and Travel Magazine
Cold Weather Driving Car Care Tips from Pride Autocare
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety and the South Carolina Department of Transportation are preparing motorists for the possibility of hazardous road conditions. SCDPS and SCDOT want to ensure motorists are prepared and well-informed about resources available to keep them safe if they have to travel in inclement weather.
Transportation Secretary H.B. “Buck” Limehouse Jr. said SCDOT Maintenance crews will be on the alert for winter weather. “Our crews in each county in the path of any ice or snow will be monitoring weather conditions. Our normal procedure is to pre-treat interstates, particularly overpasses, with sand and salt before any precipitation begins falling. We will also be prepared to work with the SC Highway Patrol and local agencies to keep any emergency routes to hospitals and shelters open as best we can,” said Limehouse.
Some of the typical problems the Highway Patrol sees during inclement weather include: a high volume of minor collisions involving people losing control of the vehicle and possibly skidding into each other’s vehicles; people encountering black ice; bridges or overpasses icing before the roadways; people travelling too fast for conditions and not leaving enough space between them and other vehicles.
During hazardous weather, the highway patrol asks that motorists only use *HP for true emergencies such as reporting collisions or being stranded in a vehicle.
State agencies will be regularly issuing weather advisories and travel information.