Orange County declares state of emergency ahead of Winter Storm Izzy

UPDATE 01/16/22, 5:45 p.m.: Chapel Hill Transit services will start at 12 p.m. Monday, following closures from Winter Storm Izzy on Sunday.

The delayed start time on Monday comes in anticipation of roads refreezing overnight, according to a press release from Chapel Hill Transit.

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UPDATE 01/16/22: Chapel Hill Transit will be closed Sunday due to forecasted icy conditions from the winter storm.

No call has been made yet about Monday's transit services. Chapel Hill Transit will re-evaluate Sunday at 6 p.m.

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Orange County declared a state of emergency Saturday ahead of the winter storm expected to hit the area on Sunday.

The state of emergency follows forecasts of several inches of snow, widespread power outages and ice from the National Weather Service-Raleigh, according to a press release from Orange County Community Relations Director Todd McGee.

The declaration is effective immediately and will expire on Jan. 20 unless modified or rescinded.

"Residents are advised to remain indoors and avoid travel at all costs as roads will be treacherous," the press release said.

A wintry mix is expected with 1-3 inches of snow and up to one-third of an inch of ice on the roads, according to NWS. Wind gusts of up to 30 mph are possible. 

In Chapel Hill, several facilities will be closed Sunday due to the winter storm including Chapel Hill Public Library and Parks and Recreation Facilities.

Duke Energy has estimated that 750,000 customers could lose power across North Carolina and South Carolina due to the storm.

The Orange County Sheriff's office has recommended that residents prepare for the storm by charging devices, replenishing emergency food/water supplies, gathering flashlights and fueling vehicles.

“This storm is likely to be a brief but intense weather event," Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood said in a press release Jan. 14. "The systems that dump snow, sleet, and freezing rain are particularly dangerous. Road conditions vary and catch motorists off-guard."

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