Winter weather preparations underway as potential storm threat forms

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Stephen May has already experienced a little taste of winter weather. “There was a little spot that was wet overnight and it froze up. Everywhere else was just fine. And I busted my butt,” recalled May.

He’s working to not make the same mistake twice and preparing now for the potential of more winter weather this weekend that could hit Central North Carolina late this week.

“Definitely. You want to get a little salt on your porch? Definitely. On your steps,” said May.

May stopped by Burke Brothers Hardware Store on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh to pick up a few things. Inside the store their team was also getting prepared for the potential of a wintry mix

“We came in this morning, sort of took an inventory of what we had, and then went back to our list of what we need to get and how we source it,” said Store Owner Jeff Hastings.

He said customers have bought things like shovels, flashlights, even a sled, and of course, ice melt.

“Think about it except for a couple of cold days right after Christmas, it’s been a very mild winter. And so a lot of people have been, I’ll say lackadaisical thinking, ‘Oh, you know, we’re not going to need this this year.’ And so, they haven’t necessarily worried about it,” he continued.

But things could change as we closely monitor the forecast this week. Hastings explained a few things homeowners can do now to prepare for winter weather.

“Look and see if you have any drafty things that you might want to put some weather stripping on. That’s a $5 fix that will save your energy bill a lot of money,” Hastings shared.

“Then also, look around and see what your flashlights look like if you need batteries for your flashlights, because if the power goes out, you certainly want to have some way to have the flashlight, and then some auxiliary heat should that become necessary,” he continued.

Plumbing and heating experts also said it’s important to have a plan in place to prevent any frozen pipes.

They suggest you open your kitchen and bathroom cabinets to expose those pipes to warm air. Make sure you disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses, protect outside faucets with insulated covers, and caulk around outside pipes where they enter your house.

May said dealing with a frozen pipe is a headache he wants to avoid.

“It is a nightmare. You’re having a plumber come over after hours and it’s just going to be difficult financially to take care of.”

Meanwhile, Hastings is stocking up on ice melt. “We’ve already got a little over a pallet and a half of the ice melt now. Then tomorrow afternoon we’re going down and will have about four to six pallets immediately tomorrow shortly after lunch. And then Thursday I’ve got another seven or eight pallets coming over,” said Hastings.

The hardware store has been in the community since 1936. Hastings said they know a thing or two about winter weather.

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