Alamance County is under a winter storm watch from Jan. 24 to Jan. 26. The National Weather Service put the watch into effect on Jan. 21 for Alamance County along with many other counties in central North Carolina and Virginia. Mixed precipitation is expected; snow, sleet, and/or freezing rain are possible.
On Jan. 21, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm. He suggested people stock up on supplies, stay off the roads if they can and be prepared for power outages. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has begun salting roads, overpasses and bridges.
In a written statement to Elon News Network, Fire Chief Landon Massey said the Town of Elon Emergency Operations Center will open Saturday evening, no later than 8 p.m.
Massey also said the Elon Fire Department and Elon Police Department will have additional personnel on duty during and after the storm to ensure continuity of emergency response.
“We cannot stress enough the importance of staying home during events like this,” Massey wrote. “Limiting travel reduces the risk of injury and allows emergency responders to focus on true emergencies.”
He encouraged residents to charge devices ahead of time, ensure they have adequate supplies and check on neighbors who may need assistance.
Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley announced in an email to students and staff Jan. 21 about preparations for possible severe weather. Dooley warned about potential power outages and unsafe road conditions, and informed students that they will be regularly updated as the university learns more about the incoming weather.
Transfer students and students starting in the spring semester this year are scheduled to move in Jan. 27. Emily Krechel, Director of New Student Programs, said safety is a top priority during move-in. According to Krechel, Jan. 27 is still the expected move-in date with new student orientation planned to start move-in ends at 2 p.m.
New Student Programs is prepared for the weather and wants incoming students to focus on getting to campus safely, according to Krechel.
“Essentially, what we're telling students is, again, prioritizing your safety and getting here when you can,” Krechel said. “So that doesn't really alter the plans, other than we just are going to elongate and allow students extra time to get here on Tuesday to move in.”
Mail services emailed students with mail or packages Jan. 22, urging them to pick up any packages Jan. 22 or Jan. 23 in anticipation of the upcoming weather. The email also reminded students that someone can pick up mail on their behalf if given permission. Students can email mail services with the authorization and their campus box number, and copy the student picking up the package.
According to the email, any changes to hours of operation can be found on the Mail Services website.
Anjolina Fantaroni contributed to the reporting of this story.