Orange County declares state of emergency
in advance of winter storm

With a significant storm that could result in treacherous travel conditions and widespread power outages from several inches of snow and/or accumulations of ice, Orange County Chair Renee Price declared a state of emergency for the county on Saturday. The declaration becomes effective immediately and will expire on Jan. 20 unless modified or rescinded.

The National Weather Service-Raleigh has forecast that Orange County could see several inches of snow and as much as .25 inches of ice along with wind gusts of as much as 30 mph on Sunday. The adverse weather is expected to begin early Sunday morning. Residents are advised to remain indoors and avoid travel at all costs as roads will be treacherous.

The declaration includes all of Orange County, including the incorporated municipalities of Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Hillsborough.

Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood encourages residents to prepare for the storm and stay off the roads.

• Click here for the declaration.