01/23/2026
**PENDER COUNTY WINTER STORM READINESS**
Practical steps for households, farms, and neighborhoods in Pender County.
A significant winter storm is forecast to impact much of North Carolina, including all of Pender County, with a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and some snow. The main concerns are icy roads, downed trees and power lines, and power outages that could last from several hours to a few days in the hardest‑hit areas.
# # # Be winter ready at home!!
- Plan to be self‑sufficient for at least 3 days with water, food, medications, pet supplies, and basic first aid.
- Charge phones, power banks, and medical devices now; keep a flashlight, extra batteries, and a battery‑powered radio where you can find them in the dark.
- Protect pipes: open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls and let faucets drip when temperatures are below freezing; know how to shut off water if a pipe bursts.
- Heat safely: use space heaters properly, keep them 3 feet away from anything that can burn, and never use grills, ovens, or generators indoors or in garages because of carbon monoxide risk.
# # # Travel and farm precautions
- Avoid driving once freezing rain or sleet begins; many serious injuries happen on black ice and untreated back roads.
- If travel is unavoidable, keep blankets, water, snacks, and a phone charger in your vehicle; slow down and give extra space to NCDOT trucks and emergency responders.
- Farmers and livestock owners: use the state transportation waiver to move animals or critical loads early, secure barns and loose equipment, and ensure animals have shelter, bedding, and access to unfrozen water.
# # # Power outages and emergency contacts
- Expect possible power outages from ice on trees and lines; keep refrigerators and freezers closed to preserve food as long as possible.
- If you use a generator, place it outside, away from windows and doors, with exhaust pointed away from buildings; never run it inside a home, basement, shed, or garage.
**Emergency:** Call 911 for life‑threatening situations or downed lines on homes, roads, or vehicles.
**Pender County Emergency Management / EOC:** watch county alerts, website, and local media for activation level, shelter openings, and storm updates.
# # # Stay informed and help your neighbors
Follow trusted sources:
- Pender County government and Emergency Management (website, social media, local news).
- ReadyNC and the National Weather Service for forecast and safety guidance.
Check on neighbors who are older, disabled, live alone, or lack transportation or internet; set up a phone or text tree for your road, church, or community group.
Prepare now, stay off icy roads when possible, and look out for one another across Pender County.
More Info:
Preparations underway in the Cape Fear for possible winter weather ...
Multiple agencies across North Carolina are preparing ahead of a winter storm expected to impact our state this weekend.
