By Michela Gritti
A major winter storm is moving toward our area this weekend and students should start preparing now. UNC Pembroke officials are monitoring its approaching, and warn students that it could bring ice, sleet and dangerous travel conditions around the area.
According to the National Weather Service, an ice storm warning is in effect for Robeson County from 7 p.m. Saturday until 1 a.m. Monday. The agency says sleet totals could reach up to one half inch, with ice around one quarter of an inch. Power outages and tree damage are possible, and travel could become very risky.
The Weather Channel also reports that Winter Storm Fern could bring what it describes as potentially catastrophic ice to parts of the Southeast. As reported on its official website, cities such as Charlotte, Raleigh and Asheville are among those on alert, with wintry weather expected to move in around midday Saturday and continue through the weekend.
UNC Pembroke addressed the forecast in a campus wide email sent by Vice Chancellor for Communications and Marketing Jennifer McCarrel. In the release, sent on Thursday, January 22, McCarrel said forecasts show the potential for winter weather across North Carolina between Jan. 23 and 25.
She added that the university Emergency Operations Initial Threat Assessment Committee met to review guidance from National Weather Service offices in Raleigh and Wilmington. UNCP is operating under normal conditions today, Friday, January 23, but officials continue meeting over the next 24 to 48 hours to track changes.
As mentioned in the advisory, updates are shared on UNCP.edu, the BraveAlert page and the university official social media channels. In the event of closures or cancellations, BraveAlert text alerts will be sent.
Because of the forecast, at least one campus event has already been changed. According to an email from Rosa Ball with the BraveVentures Planning Board, the hockey game scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24, has been moved to Feb. 7. The Fayetteville Marksmen will now play the Birmingham Bulls on the new date.
Ball is also shared a second email notification through the Office of Global Engagement with safety tips for students, especially those experiencing their first winter storm in the United States.
In the email, she notes that winter weather in North Carolina can be unpredictable and often leads to icy roads and power outages. While dining services are expected to run as usual unless announced otherwise, she encourages students to buy food and supplies ahead of time.
According to the message, students should keep phones and power banks charged, have flashlights ready and avoid candles. Ball adds that residence halls have backup generators to help keep heat running if power goes out.
She also advises students to dress in layers, keep windows shut and cover their heads if temperatures drop.
Travel safety is another focus of the message. Ball warns about black ice, which can form when roads look wet, but temperatures are below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, or 0 degrees Celsius. Students are encouraged not to drive if conditions worsen and to walk carefully on icy sidewalks. Those living off campus are reminded to keep heat set to at least 55 degrees and let faucets drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
Students are urged to stay informed through BraveAlert messages, UNCP.edu and university communications. University officials continue to encourage students to monitor updates and follow safety guidance as the storm approaches.
Stay safe and warm, BraveNation!