Henderson County Emergency Management officials are urging residents to prepare before a forecasted winter storm hits the area this weekend.
Though forecasts have varied in the leadup to the storm, a National Weather Service prediction released Saturday morning said that an ice storm warning is in effect from 2 a.m. Sunday till 6 a.m. Monday.
The forecast stated: “Significant icing expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations up to two inches and ice accumulations between one-quarter and three-quarters of an inch.”
The ice accumulation predictions are substantial, according to Kenny Garrett, the Henderson County OEM director, because at one-tenth of an inch of ice accumulation roads become slick with black ice and can make travel hazardous.
Reports have stated that the level of ice is not expected to reach that of the 2009 ice storm, which caused significant power loss across the region.
Saturday morning’s NWS warning, however, said that, “Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages. Expect power outages and tree damage due to the ice. Travel could be impossible.”
Garrett preached preparedness ahead of the storm’s arrival.
“Really the goal is to be prepared as you can,” he said.
Residents should avoid driving, if possible, Garrett said. It also means that people should be prepared for loss of power—and heat—in their residences.
If travel is absolutely necessary, drivers should prepare their vehicles for possible road emergencies.
According to the OEM, the list includes:
- A full tank of gas
- Spare tire
- Jumper cables
- First aid kit
- Blankets
- Flashlight
- Blankets
- Extra mittens, hat, boots, warm clothes
- Water and snacks
- Flares
- Tow rope
- Cell phone charger
OEM Director’s Assistant Jill Ward notes that people who are on prescriptions and need to drive should take medications with them. There’s always the possibility that an accident will occur, and that person could be away from home for hours, she said.
She also recommended that people on prescriptions bring water and snacks if they must travel because of their requirement to be taken with some medications.
Garrett recommended putting bottled water in a cooler, which would insulate it from the outside frigid air, so that it doesn’t freeze and remain drinkable.
Additionally, a White Flag Alert is currently in effect and most likely will remain in effect through next week, Garrett said. During a White Flag Alert, homeless or unsheltered people can go to either the Harbor House for Men or the Father Bradley Shelter for Women and Children to stay warm.
The contact person for White Flag Alert assistance is Melissa Collier, the case manager community outreach specialist for the Homeless Coalition of Henderson County. Her phone number is (270) 823-5469.
Garrett said if further community shelters need to be opened, that will occur at the Salvation Army, 1213 Washington St., and The Gathering Place, 1817 N. Elm St. He said a notification will be sent out via OEM’s Hyper-Reach Notification System. Sign up for that here.
Information about weather and preparedness can be found at the National Weather Service website and the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.
The latest road conditions can be obtained by visiting this site.
