Schools Gear Up for Foul Weather, Just in Case
Weather forecasters says the Triangle may be in for some icy weather by early Thursday, with snow predicted for areas west and north.
But WRAL-TV Chief MeteorologistGreg Fishelsays this weather event will be nothing like last year's ice storms. Whatever snow or freezing rain falls should melt by afternoon in the Triangle and areas east and south.
Fishel says the frozen stuff could start just after 12 a.m. Thursday, possibly starting as light snow before changing to freezing rain in the Triangle. The precipitation should switch over to rain by early afternoon, with the exception of areas to the north and west, including Roxboro.
With visions oflast year's winter weatherstill fresh in many minds, area school systems are making sure they won't get caught unprepared.
They have plenty to do before the first ice or snow falls. Area transportation chiefs told WRAL-TV5'sYvonne SimonsTuesday that while they've asked bus drivers to get mentally prepared and placed inclement weather teams on call, they've also had some busy mechanics. This year, drivers don't want to get caught with frozen wipers and fuel lines, frosty windows, or bald tires.
Wyatt Harper, transportation director for theWake County schools, says no oneexpects really bad weather this week in the Triangle, but it pays to be prepared.
Wake County mechanics are giving buses a checkup. Everyone wants to make sure that defrosters, heaters and windshield wipers are in working order, so mechanics go all over, and under, each bus.
Parents can count on WRAL-TV5,MIX 101.5 FMand WRAL OnLine for the latestweather forecastsand school delays and closingsduring inclement weather. Students and parents are askednotto call school offices, which need phone lines for emergency communications.
