Winter Weather Wisdom for the Triangle!

As a longtime Chapel Hill resident and local real estate expert, I've seen how our unique North Carolina winters can catch even long-time residents off guard. While we might not face the brutal winters of the Northeast, our mix of ice, sleet, and occasional snow presents its own challenges – especially when temperatures drop below freezing, as they often do in January and February.

Let's talk about protecting your Triangle home and staying safe during our winter weather events. Unlike our northern neighbors, we're not equipped with massive snow removal fleets, which means even a modest winter storm can significantly impact our daily lives.

Home Preparation (Because Prevention is Key):

• Protect your pipes! Our older homes in historic Chapel Hill and Carrboro are particularly vulnerable to freezing pipes. Keep faucets dripping when temperatures drop below 25°F

• Clear your gutters now – those beautiful Chapel Hill trees we love have dropped their leaves, and clogged gutters can lead to dangerous ice dams

• Check your heating system before you need it. Our local HVAC professionals get swamped during cold snaps

Remember, most Triangle homes aren't built with heavy snow loads in mind. If we get significant accumulation (rare but possible), keep an eye on flat roofs and carports. Also, know where your water main shutoff is – something I always point out during home tours.

Car Safety in Triangle Winter Weather:

Our biggest challenge isn't usually snow – it's ice. Black ice is particularly treacherous on shaded roads like those around UNC campus and the wooded areas of Durham County. Keep your gas tank at least half full during winter weather events, as our local gas stations may close during severe weather.

Essential supplies for your car should include:

• A basic emergency kit (flashlight, blanket, phone charger)

• Cat litter or sand for traction (far more useful here than snow chains)

• Ice scraper (yes, even in North Carolina!)

Community Tips for Triangle Residents:

When winter weather hits, our community comes together beautifully. Keep an eye on elderly neighbors, especially in established neighborhoods like Southern Village and Meadowmont. Remember that Franklin Street businesses often stay open to serve students, but call ahead during severe weather.

Power outages are our biggest concern during ice storms. Duke Energy usually responds quickly, but it's smart to have:

• Battery-powered lights and radio

• A plan for keeping phones charged

• Non-perishable food and water

One special note about our area: the Triangle's rolling terrain can make winter driving particularly challenging. What looks manageable on Franklin Street might be treacherous on the hills around Governors Club or Hope Valley.

Local Resources:

I always remind my clients to bookmark ReadyNC.gov and our local news stations' weather alerts. Unlike northern cities, even a light coating of ice can shut down schools and businesses here – it's better to be prepared and not need it than the other way around.

A Final Thought:

While our winter weather may seem mild to people who have moved here from colder regions, it's the unexpected nature of Carolina winter storms that catches people off guard. Stay informed, stay prepared, and remember – spring in Chapel Hill is just around the corner!