American Red Cross Preparing for Winter Storm Conditions

The NWS is calling for an on Friday, the Red Cross is urging residents to be prepared for winter storm conditions.

The American Red Cross Western Carolinas Region is busy preparing for possible winter storm conditions on Friday that could affect portions of its 27-county region in Upstate SC and Western NC.

Forecasts and predictions are calling for the chance of a wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow in some parts of the region. These events could produce dangerous, icy road conditions and the potential for downed trees and possible power outages.

Icy road conditions making travel dangerous and in some cases impossible, could see people having to stay put. The best things people can do right now are to check their stock of emergency supplies including food, water, flashlights, extra batteries and medications, as well as, make sure they have adequate fuel levels in their vehicles and review their emergency plans with their loved ones. Having a way to monitor changing weather conditions and get information if the power goes out is also key, so having a battery-operated weather radio and car chargers for mobile devices as part of your supplies is essential.

Tony Reid, Regional Director of Emergency Services and his team are monitoring the situation across the region. “Right now our eyes are on the situation as we continue to monitor forecasts. We are also communicating with Emergency Management officials across the region and have determined availability of our Disaster Responder Workforce. If there is a need for Red Cross support, our resources and supplies are ready and poised to be moved where the need is greatest,” Reid said.

The Red Cross is urging residents to monitor the weather situation in their area and to be prepared for potential winter storm conditions, making travel treacherous, and for the possibility of power outages. Information on preparedness tips have been shared with the public through the Red Cross Western Carolinas social media channels. The information can also be accessed on redcross.org.

Whatever winter weather conditions unfold, the time to prepare is now.