Vehicles parked on the shoulder of area highways may be towed beginning at 6 a.m. Friday ahead of an expected winter storm in the Triangle.
Electronic message boards warning of the tows were seen along Interstate 40 and Wade Avenue as crews prepare for possible icy conditions starting Saturday evening.
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"They need to be able to navigate not only the roadway, but the shoulders of the roadway, the paved areas, to be able to treat areas and adequately address what we're seeing from a weather and road service condition," said North Carolina State Highway Patrol First Sergeant Christopher Knox. "We need to have the roadways as clear as possible."
State troopers are prepping their vehicles to ensure they can respond to what's expected to be an increase in emergency calls.
Knox says the forecast brings the possibility of downed power lines, toppled trees, and treacherous road conditions causing spin outs.
"We get a lot of calls to help people that just have become stuck. They've slid off the roadway," he said. "What they have to think about at that point is, are they in the safest location?...It might be inside your vehicle, but it might be as far away from your vehicle as possible. You've got to look at that scenario and figure out what's going to be the safest place until first responders get there."
Law enforcement will be marking abandoned cars that are unable to be towed from roadways with yellow tape. That will indicate to other motorists that the vehicle has been checked for people inside. For those needing to stay in their vehicle or travel during the storm, Knox suggests having a First-Aid kit, blankets, and batteries.
"It might take some time to get somebody to you, because, you know, just the nature of how slow we have to go just to get to help you," said Knox.
Officials warn that bridges are among the first surfaces to freeze during ice events and are encouraging motorists to drive slowly if they do need to be on the roads.
