How To Survive a Winter Storm in Raleigh (A Calm, Slightly Skeptical Guide to Whatever Is Coming)

Okay Raleigh, the Virgo in me likes to be prepared. And growing up in Australia we didn’t have to worry about snow and ice storms. But I know you folks from the northeast like Buffalo are probably laughing and thinking, whatever dude, we play football in way worse than this! But like everything in life, preparation beats panic every time!

As you know Raleigh shuts down at just the mention of flurries, let alone the prediction of a foot of snow. But remember, ice is far more dangerous than snow in the South and our biggest concern, especially dangerous for driving and can cause extended power outages. With that said, residents living in Raleigh are advised to remain emotionally flexible as the forecast for the next 24–72 hours evolve. And it will evolve 100 times.

I’m starting off this article with a little lighthearted humor, as around here, winter weather is both a sport and a personality test. But then the serious and practical tips follow. Please read on and be prepared, as it could end up being no joke!

WHAT WE KNOW FOR SURE:

• Bread, milk, and eggs will fly off the shelves for essential French toast prep!
• Toilet paper and booze are also hot commodities and noted as essentials.
• Plenty of fruits and vegetables will be available.
• Schools will be looking at each other and send out mixed messages ranging from:
  • we are open, where are you?
  • we are closing early, no we are closing late, never mind, we are closed for a month!
• Meteorologists will take over our TV screens for HOURS upon HOURS with constant updates.

Jokes Aside—Here’s How to Actually Prepare for a Winter Storm in Raleigh

Whether we get ice, snow, rain, or vibes, being prepared makes everything less stressful. Think of this as prepping for a short camping trip… just indoors… with better snacks!

Bitter cold temperatures will be here from the weekend through much of next week, with highs in the 20s and 30s and lows in the teens with single digit feels. This extended cold weather will mean that whatever wintry precipitation accumulates will stick around through at least the middle of next week, with limited and slow melting and refreezing at night.

Before the Storm (24–48 Hours Ahead)

A little preparation now can save a lot of potential frustration and hardship later.

• Charge all phones, tablets, power banks, and rechargeable lanterns (have a portable charger fully charged in case of power outage)
• Fill your gas tank (stations may lose power)
• Fill your gas generator (never use inside your home)
• Grab some cash in small bills in case ATM systems go down
• Download movies, books, podcasts, and maps for offline use
• Pick one warm room in your house to “camp out” if power fails
• Locate your breaker box and water shut-off valve before you need them
• Set fridge and freezer to colder settings to help food last longer
• Battery operated flashlights and lanterns (battery operated candles safer than real flame candles).
• Do all your laundry (future-you will thank you)

Water & Pipe Protection (especially Important for Raleigh homes)

Ice is what causes the most trouble in central North Carolina.

• Drip faucets on exterior walls when temps drop below freezing
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation
• Disconnect garden hoses
• Cover outdoor faucets with insulated covers or towels
• Know how to shut off your water quickly if a pipe bursts
• Fill a bathtub, large pot, or buckets with water for flushing and washing

Food & Kitchen Prep

In case we lose power in the city, aim for 3–5 days of easy, low-effort food.

• Stock up on no-cook foods. e.g. tuna and sardines, dill pickles, crackers, peanut butter, muesli bars, nuts, bread, canned meat, packets of popcorn, fruit cups etc.
• Have a manual can opener
• Buy shelf-stable or powdered milk if needed
• Freeze a few water bottles to act as freezer ice packs
• Keep a cooler ready in case food needs to move outside
• Avoid buying lots of fresh perishables right before the storm
• Bonus tip: A propane or charcoal grill + a French press + a pot = hot meals and coffee if the power goes out (just cook outside, please).

Heat & Home Safety

Staying warm safely matters more than staying cozy.

• Gather blankets, sleeping bags, hats, and warm layers
• If using a fireplace, confirm the chimney is clear and wood is dry
• NEVER run grills or generators inside homes or garages!
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors!
• Use LED lanterns or flashlights instead of candles when possible!

Vehicle & Travel Prep

Ice changes everything—especially on Raleigh roads. Black ice is extremely dangerous, and any ice on roads can be very hard to see.

• Have a full gas tank
• Avoid driving once freezing rain begins
• Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads freeze first and become slick and hazardous.
• Keep in your car: blanket, water, snacks, gloves, phone charger
• Replace old wiper blades and top off washer fluid
• Park away from large trees or power lines
• Expect flight delays or cancellations if you’re traveling (download your airline apps for instant notifications)

Power Outage Plan

Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages, sometimes for days.

• Unplug sensitive electronics to prevent surge damage
• Use surge protectors for TVs and computers
• Keep one battery-powered radio or weather app for updates
• Keep refrigerator doors closed as much as possible
• Know where warming centers may be located
• Have extension cords ready if using a generator outside (again, DO NOT use generators inside homes or garages!)

Pets & Animals

Your fur babies feel the cold too.

• Bring pets indoors with extra food and water
• Make sure outdoor animals have unfrozen water
• Add straw or blankets to outdoor shelters
• Keep leashes and carriers accessible

Medical & Special Needs

• Refill prescriptions and essential medications early
• Keep a written list of medications and dosages
• Store a small first-aid kit with basics
• Have backup batteries for medical devices
• Identify a friend, family member, or hotel with power if relocation becomes necessary

Property Protection

A few small steps can prevent bigger problems.

• Move vehicles away from trees and power lines
• Secure outdoor furniture and lightweight items
• Trim trees before the storm, not during
• Take photos of your property for insurance documentation

During the Storm

Once it starts, safety comes first.

• Stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary
• Treat all downed power lines as live
• Use only safe indoor heating methods
• Check on neighbors—especially elderly—by phone if possible
• Report outages to your utility company (use 911 only for emergencies)

After the Storm

The danger isn’t always over when the weather clears.

• Walk carefully—ice often refreezes overnight
• Check pipes for leaks as temperatures rise
• Toss refrigerated food if it’s been above 40°F for more than 4 hours
• Avoid DIY electrical repairs near downed lines
• Be patient—power restoration after ice storms can take time

Alerts & Trusted Local Resources

For reliable, real-time updates, stick with trusted sources: Have multiple ways to receive emergency info, including watches and warnings. Make sure emergency alerts are enabled on your cell phone and download a weather app. Only the National Weather Service, NC Emergency Management and North Carolina Highway Patrol can originate EAS messages in North Carolina.

• Visit ncdps.gov/ncem/localEM for links to alert services offered by local governments.
• Stay connected to ReadyNC.gov for current updates, evacuation orders etc.
• Weather alerts from WRAL.
• Have an emergency plan. Know where you would go if you needed to evacuate.
• Make a plan to stay with family, friends or at a hotel. Public shelters should be a last resort.
• Enable emergency alerts on your phone and avoid rumor-based forecasting (aka neighborhood Facebook threads).

One Last Reality Check for Southern Ice Storms

• ¼ inch of ice = scattered outages
• ½ inch of ice = major travel issues and multi-day power outages
• Ice is far more dangerous than snow in the South.

FINAL ADVISORY:

Hopefully, this storm turns into nothing more than cold rain and memes. As they say, if you don’t like the weather in North Carolina, just wait a few hours. But if it does get nasty, a little preparation now means less stress later. Stay safe, Raleigh and remember: Preparation beats panic every time!