CHARLOTTE, NC β A mixed batch of winter weather is bearing down on the Piedmont, and N.C. Department of Transportation crews in the Metrolina region are preparing to keep roads clear and passable. All equipment is ready for use, and crews in most counties will work rotating 12-hour shifts until the system passes and roads are clear.
Areas in Division 12 (Alexander, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell and Lincoln counties) are included in a winter weather advisory until 7 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Some of these counties may see a wide range of snow accumulation from one to five inches. Contract equipment like plows and graders can be brought in to supplement state equipment if necessary.
Most counties will rotate in new crews between 6 and 7 p.m. to continue response efforts overnight.
Officials in Division 10 (Anson, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Stanly and Union counties) are closely monitoring the forecast, as predicted snow amounts and temperatures drastically change from one end of the region to the other.
In Mecklenburg County, contract trucks will be loading at 4 p.m., so drivers may see some trucks on the interstates during rush hour. Up to 53 trucks will be available to apply salt on bridges along interstates and primary roads tonight. An additional 23 trucks can supplement efforts if needed.
Crews in Cabarrus and Stanly counties will have equipment ready and staged at maintenance facilities to respond as necessary. Anson and Union crews will be called in if the forecast changes.
