The Burke County Joint Information Center (JIC) is providing its latest advice and information regarding Fern, the named winter storm currently forecast to hit the area Saturday.Â
The storm is now trending toward a sleet and freezing rain event, which significantly increases the likelihood of long-duration, widespread power outages. Residents should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours and must use generators and alternative heat sources safely.
Electric vehicles may be difficult or impossible to charge during widespread power outages, and their battery performance drops sharply when temperatures fall below 35 degrees. Drivers should plan and avoid relying on public charging infrastructure during the storm.
All Burke County Convenience Sites and Landfill will open at their regular time on Saturday, Jan. 24, but will close early at noon.
Burke County has issued a State of Emergency effective 8 a.m. Saturday to allow emergency measures, travel controls, and response resources to be implemented quickly as conditions deteriorate.
A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for all of Burke County from Friday night through Monday afternoon.
The Burke County Joint Information Center is an initiative of Hildebran, Valdese, Rutherford College, Connelly Springs, Glen Alpine, Morganton, and Burke County.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.