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Beaufort County urges residents to prepare for weekend winter storm
Summary
Beaufort County Emergency Services warned that a winter storm could bring significant snow and hazardous travel between Saturday and Monday, advising residents to shelter in place, prepare for power outages, follow heater-safety guidance and use county resources for pets.
A Beaufort County Emergency Services spokesperson warned that a winter storm expected this weekend could bring significant snow accumulations and likely treacherous travel, urging residents to prepare now and avoid unnecessary travel between Saturday and Monday.
County officials said forecasts have trended toward higher totals in recent days and warned of possible isolated power outages and disruptions to daily activities. "We urge our communities to prepare now for this storm," the spokesperson said, and added: "Please be prepared to shelter in place and avoid any unnecessary travel between Saturday and Monday." The advisory asked residents to keep monitoring local forecasts as conditions evolve.
The spokesperson outlined practical preparedness steps for residents facing potential power loss: consider how you would stay warm and cook, ensure you have battery-operated lighting, and have a way to charge electronic devices. Officials also emphasized pet and livestock safety, saying owners should make sure animals have adequate shelter and access to unfrozen water. "If you need a crate to make this possible, you can borrow one from Beaufort County Animal Services," the spokesperson said, noting the department also has a limited supply of wheat straw available to help keep animals warm if bringing them indoors is not feasible.
On heating safety, the advisory cited national reports covering 2019–2021 that linked portable heaters, including electric space heaters, to an average of about 1,600 fires per year, resulting in roughly 70 deaths and 160 injuries annually. Officials urged residents to keep a three-foot safety zone around portable heaters, avoid placing items on top of heaters, never plug a space heater into a power strip or extension cord, and place heaters on stable surfaces out of reach of children and pets. The advisory also cautioned never to operate a generator indoors.
Residents were directed to sign up for the county's emergency notification system to receive major updates and to follow Beaufort County government, Beaufort County Emergency Services, and the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City office on Facebook for the latest information.
