Winter took a while to come to Highlands and Cashiers, but it has definitely arrived in full force this week.
With an impending winter storm forecast for Friday and Saturday, area first responders are in the process of getting ready for the impacts of snow and ice.
“We have been watching the Weather Channel every day this week like everyone else, and every forecast we’ve seen says 100 percent chance of snow on Friday, starting in the morning and lasting throughout the day,” Cashiers-Glenville Fire Chief Randy Dillard said. “What is bad about that is not just the snow, but the timing. A lot of people are going to leave for work in the morning with it being fine, and then they are going to be at work when it starts snowing. If they try to get home as the road conditions deteriorate that’s when we’ve seen a lot of problems in the past.”
Dillard noted that Friday and Saturday the department will be fully staffed and will have at least one truck with tire chains stationed at each of the substations in Jackson County.
“The NCDOT will be doing their best to keep the roads clear, but we don’t have as many plow and salt trucks up here in Cashiers and Glenville as we used to, so it takes time,” Dillard said. “The best way to prepare for what’s in the forecast is to just plan on staying home and off the roads on Friday all together if you can.”
This week temperatures across Western North Carolina have plummeted, with lows reaching the mid-teens on Wednesday morning. Forecasted low temperatures are in the low teens for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with wind chills in the single digits.
The National Weather Service forecast for Friday is calling for 2-5 inches of snow to fall in Highlands.
With frigid low temps, and gusty winds, impacts beyond snow and ice are possible. The last time temperatures were below zero was right after Christmas 2023 when the Town of Highlands reported multiple frozen and ruptured water lines that caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage to homes and businesses.
“Hopefully everyone has taken the proper precautions related to sub-zero temperatures this year and we don’t see anything like that again,” Highlands Fire Chief Ryan Gearhart said.
Gearhart also urged the public to put off outdoor activities if the weather becomes hazardous over the weekend.
“The biggest thing is to always put safety first and use good judgment,” Gearhart said. “If the roads are icy or snow covered, stay off them. If you don’t need to be outside, don’t be.”
Along with travel concerns, the NC Department of Insurance and the state fire marshal’s office have advised citizens to check the status of their heating systems ahead of the potential snow.
Last year, there were 119 home fire deaths in North Carolina, many related to home heating. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in the U.S., with nearly 90% of fire deaths involving space heaters.
“Space heaters are a common cause of home fires, but they are also one of the easiest risks to avoid,” said NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey. “Remember to follow safety guidelines, never leave heaters unattended, and keep them away from anything that can burn.”