Wake Forest announces service changes & closures ahead of potential wintry weather

With weather forecasters calling for the possibility of frozen precipitation this weekend, the Town of Wake Forest is fully prepared should wintry weather affect our community.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Wake County from 1 p.m. today until 10 a.m. Saturday. A heavy mix of wintry precipitation is expected. Forecasters say snow will overspread the area this afternoon and evening, then transition to a mix of sleet and freezing rain later tonight. Total snow and sleet accumulations of up to two inches and ice accumulations of up to two tenths of an inch are expected.

Due to the forecast, the following Wake Forest programs, services, and facilities are impacted:

  • All Youth League Basketball games are canceled for Friday and Saturday, Jan. 10-11. NOTE: The PRCR Department's inclement weather policy states that whenever inclement weather conditions force the Wake County Public School System to close schools or implement an early release, then all PRCR games and practices will be canceled at all sites. 

  • Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road, Flaherty Park Community Center, 1226 N. White St., and Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St., will close today at 5 p.m., be closed Saturday, and reopen and operate Monday, Jan. 13, according to their normal schedules. 

  • Go Wake Forest will suspend service Friday, Jan. 10, at 5 p.m. and delay the start of service on Saturday, Jan. 11, until 10 a.m.

  • The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre Box Office will close today at 4 p.m. and the Renaissance Centre will close at 4:30 p.m.

  • Northern Wake Senior Center will close today at 4 p.m.

  • The Wake Forest Farmers Market will not be open Saturday but will instead be open along South Taylor Street Sunday, Jan. 12, from 1-3 p.m.

 

Road Prep Continues

NCDOT maintenance crews have been spreading brine on areas prone to slick conditions, including bridges, overpasses, and ramps, as well as on state-maintained roads and highways. Town crews have also been applying brine to Wake Forest bridges, overpasses, and traditional slick spots. Those efforts will continue throughout the day.

Wake Forest has over 300 tons of sand/salt mix supply on site, along with eight truck-mounted plows, one motor grader and two backhoes available to clear Wake Forest's 156 miles of roads. Crews are positioned to respond around the clock until this event has ended and roads are safe.

In the event of ice or snow, crews will clear thoroughfares and primary roads first. Motorists are urged not to park on the street, so plows and other Town equipment can effectively service the area. The Town does not clear school parking lots or private parking lots, including those in apartment and condominium complexes or at businesses.

 

When to call 911

Residents are reminded not to call 911 unless there is an emergency posing an immediate threat to life, health, or property. Similarly, residents should not report icy road conditions via SeeClickFix. All non-emergency calls, including reports of icy road conditions and immediate needs for service, should be placed to 919-554-6150.

 

Attention Motorists

In the event of wintry weather, motorists are urged to stay off the roads - unless absolutely necessary. When you venture out on the roads, you not only put yourself at risk, but you also put others in jeopardy. Then, if you are involved in an accident, police officers and first responders are at risk. You can help yourself, your neighbors, law enforcement and first responders by simply staying off the roads.

If you must venture out, first remove the ice and snow from your vehicle, particularly from the hood, windows, and roof. Ice and snow that dislodges from a moving vehicle can create hazardous driving conditions for other vehicles resulting in property damage and/or injury. 

Also, while driving, turn on your headlights, and give extra following distance to allow more stopping time on slippery surfaces. 

 

If you lose power

  • Wake Forest Power customers call 919-435-9478 or visit https://bit.ly/WFPowerReportOutage.

  • Wake Electric customers call 855-280-1147;

  • Duke Energy Progress customers call 800-419-6356.

 

Stay Informed

In the event severe weather occurs, the Town will issue regular updates through a variety of means. To stay informed residents can: