Morning Commuters Could Face Icy Situation on Monday

RALEIGH — Forecasters say commuters could wake up to anicy winter stormearly Monday morning.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the entire WRAL-TV5 viewing area. The precipitation is expected to begin as sleet and freezing rain sometime early Monday morning.

Areas south and east of the Triangle may see the heaviest precipitation. From the Triangle and Rocky Mount north, a mix of sleet and freezing rain may change over to freezing rain during the day Monday.

Winter weather can be tricky to predict, said WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner. Forecasters have been surprised a few times this season by winter storms.

Thestate Department of Transportationalready has an eye on the road. DOT crews have already sprayed salt on bridges and loaded trucks with salt and sand. Crews will be on standby, starting at 3 a.m. Monday ready to clear the roads.

The precipitation could cause significant icing. It takes about a quarter of an inch of accumulation to bring down trees and power lines, so preparing for power outages is going to be important. Here's a list of things you need:

Battery powered radio

Flashlights with extra batteries

Non-perishable foods, along with a manual can opener

Bottled water. You need a gallon per person per day.

Warm clothing, especially hats.

Tire chains. Having four-wheel drive does not guarantee you will have traction on the ice.They remember the last ice storm that paralyzed parts of the Triangle back in December of 1998. Power company crews worked overtime to restore electricity knocked out by the ice storm. We had a chance to talk to Progress Energy, formerly, CP & L. A spokesman says, the company is on alert. -->

Here is some important information if you lose power overnight. The number to call Progress Energy, formerly CP&L, to report an outage at your home is1-800-419-6356. The number for Duke Power is1-800-769-3766.

Stay tuned to WRAL-TV and WRAL OnLine for the latest on the possible winter storm.

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