Weather forecasts are saying snow is likely this weekend, Friday, Jan. 10, and Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. City workers are getting ready, and residents should take precautions as well. City code prohibits parking on some roads during snow.
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· US National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC on Facebook
· NWS GSP on X
City Streets
Public Works staff is prepping equipment to clear roads if needed. Salt is on its way, and staff are getting plows ready.
If it does snow, staff will plow City streets as follows:
· Staff will plow during daylight hours, approximately 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
· Crews will clear major City streets and thoroughfares first, followed by neighborhood streets, dead ends, etc.
· City staff does not plow NCDOT roads in the City limits, such as US 321 (Blowing Rock and Hickory boulevards) and US 64 (Morganton and Wilkesboro boulevards).
· Depending on the amount of snow, plowing operations may take longer than one day to complete.
“If we do get snow, we ask that residents move their vehicles off the roads if possible,” Public Works Director Jon Hogan said. “It’s much harder, and sometimes impossible, for snow plows to pass if cars and trucks are parked on the roads.”
Also, City Code prohibits on-street parking on some streets during snow events. Cars parked on the following streets during a snow event may be towed at the owner’s expense:
· Prospect Street from Willow Street to Montclair Circle
· Link Place from Montclair Drive to the end
· Drum Circle from Norwood Street to Norwood Street
· Vance Street from Willow Street to N. Main Street
· Robbins Avenue from Vance Street to the end
· Center Street from Stage Street to Robbins Avenue
· Poplar Street from Virginia Street to Poplar Street Apartments
· Westman Street from College Avenue to the end
· Conley Place from N. Main Street to the end
· Lee Place from Ronquil Park to the end
Click the following link to read the ordinance, Sec. 102.A – Parking prohibited on both sides of street during snow events.
If it snows, residents should avoid driving. Anyone who needs to travel should bring an emergency bag in their vehicle. Be sure to bring water, food, blankets, etc., in case they get stranded.
Driveways
If possible, wait until your street has been plowed before clearing the last five to 10 feet of your driveway. There is no practical way to plow city streets without pushing snow into your driveway. Please understand that the City cannot go back and shovel or plow out the end of any private driveway.
Do not shovel, blow, or plow snow from your driveway into or across a street. Snow can block the streets, causing a traffic hazard. It may also interfere with emergency vehicles. It is best to shovel snow to the side of your driveway opposite the direction from which the snowplow is coming.
Driving in Snow & Ice
In snow and icy weather, emergency services can get overwhelmed by calls for help. A lot of the response is to vehicle crashes. The Police Department asks that people avoid driving in snow, if possible. But, if you must go out, you should use extreme caution on the roadways.
If you’re involved in a vehicle crash during snowy conditions, follow these steps to stay safe:
· Pull Over Safely: Move to a safe spot off the road, if possible.
· Personal Wellness: Ensure everyone is safe and check for injuries. Call 9-1-1 if needed.
· Report the Accident: Contact the Lenoir Police Department to report the crash. We can assist you if a tow truck is needed.
· Stay Visible: Make sure your vehicle is visible to other drivers to avoid further collisions. Utilize your vehicle’s hazard lights to warn other drivers.
· Wait for Help: Remain in your car if it’s safe, and take extra care due to the weather conditions.
· Prevent Carbon Monoxide Build-Up: If your engine is running, clear snow or debris from the exhaust pipe to avoid dangerous gas buildup inside the vehicle.
To report a crash or to ask for help, call the Lenoir Police at 828-75-2100. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Power Outages
Heavy snow can sometimes cause trees and limbs to fall on power lines and poles. City staff does not and will not clear trees or limbs off power lines. Local power companies are responsible for clearing trees and limbs from power lines. Residents who lose power can report outages to the following numbers:
· Duke Energy: 800-769-3766 (800-POWERON)
· Blue Ridge Energy: Report outages to 800-448-2383. Report downed power lines at 800-451-5474 or call 911.
Residents should stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging. Assume that all lines are electrified as well as trees, limbs, or anything in contact with lines. If a power line falls across a car that you’re in, stay in the car and call 911. If you must exit the car due to a fire or other life-threatening situation, try to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Do not touch the car when you land.
Recreation Centers
In the event of snow or ice, City recreation centers will be closed. This includes the Lenoir Aquatic & Fitness Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Center, and Mulberry Recreation Center.
Space Heaters
As temperatures fall we are aware that the use of space heaters will be on the rise. Lenoir Fire asks that if you are going to use space heaters, take the following safety measures.
· Space heaters should be UL, ETL, or CSA labeled (should be on a tag on the device or cord, do not remove it).
· Space heaters should be plugged directly into the outlet (do not plug it into an extension cord or surge protector).
· Make sure to have a minimum of three feet of clearance around the heater from combustibles materials.
· All space heaters should be monitored when on (do not leave it alone). Always unplug the device upon leaving to ensure it gets turned off.
· Heaters should remain on the floor.
· Heaters should have an automatic shutoff for tip over and overheat protection.
· If your heater needs fuel, please refuel it outside. Also, have a working CO (Carbon Monoxide) alarm in your home.
Space heaters account for approximately 25,000 house fires each year, safe operation is a necessity. Please stay safe as always and if you have any questions please contact your local Fire Department.
Trash Pickup
Staff expects normal garbage collection next week.
Trees Across Roads
City staff will remove trees from roads when possible. If a tree is blocking a road, residents can call 911 to report the location. Lenoir firefighters are trained and equipped to clear trees from roads. This ensures emergency vehicles can access all residents and businesses in the City. Public Works and other departments can also assist in clearing roads if needed.
Water Pipes
When it snows, and extremely cold weather, residents should protect their water pipes from freezing.
· Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
· Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
· When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes.
· Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing.