Updated Jan. 30 — The previous version of this release was updated with current information on weather and services, the declaration of a state of emergency and a statement from the mayor. 

While the area is still feeling the effects of last weekend’s storm, the Town of Hillsborough is preparing for another winter storm and urges you to prepare too. 

Mayor Mark Bell has declared a state of emergency. See the town's Emergency Updates page for the current status of town operations and services.

“Like much of North Carolina, Hillsborough is preparing for a second winter storm,” the mayor said. “I encourage residents to monitor the town’s Ready Hillsborough webpages and social media for important updates on weather conditions and the status of town services and facilities. We coordinate very closely with Orange County Emergency Services and urge residents to subscribe to OC Alerts to receive critical updates about Hillsborough and Orange County.

“Hillsborough's public works crews will continue to treat and plow all town-maintained public roads within its jurisdiction. State roads are maintained by NCDOT, including roads outside the town limits with a Hillsborough mailing address. Contact the state’s 511 information line with any concerns about state roads.”

Forecast

Snow is expected to start tonight, Jan. 30, with temperatures forecasted to fall below freezing and stay below freezing into next week. This could create potentially hazardous conditions. A winter storm warning has been issued through 7 a.m. Sunday. An extreme cold watch has been issued for Sunday morning. Stay informed about the forecast by checking updates from the National Weather Service’s Raleigh office.

Service Changes

Town Offices — Depending on the impact of the incoming winter weather, closures or delayed openings may be necessary next week.

Parks — Overnight refreezing made remaining ice slicker. Parks and greenways were reclosed Thursday and will remain closed until deemed safe. 

Solid Waste — No yard waste was collected this week. Collection of loose leaves will resume once snow and ice have melted. Pickup of loose leaves will be extended through Feb. 13.

How the Town Prepares

The town’s emergency management team has been coordinating town preparations, including scheduling additional staff to work as needed throughout the weather event.

Public works crews pretreated primary town streets with brine today. They completed plowing of all town-maintained public roads on Monday following last weekend’s storm. Please note that salt brine does not work well below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

How You Can Prepare

• Prepare for disruptions in service by using the town’s Cold Weather Resources and Ready Hillsborough pages to help guide you. This includes ensuring that you have enough food, water, flashlights and other supplies and that you can safely use heating sources with proper ventilation to prevent fire or carbon monoxide hazards.
• Register or update your contact information with OC Alerts. The emergency notification system is used in partnership with Orange County. When registering or updating your information on the Everbridge platform, select “Hillsborough water and sewer” under the Community Alerts section.
• Subscribe to town news releases to receive the latest town information in an email and follow @HillsboroughGov social media.
• Know who provides services to your home. Information is available on the Ready Hillsborough and Services for Your Property pages. Contact your private providers if you experience power and communications outages.
• Keep your pipes from freezing by letting water drip slowly from interior water faucets on exterior walls and by insulating exterior faucets. A towel can be wrapped around exterior faucets to protect them. The Cold Weather Resources page includes more tips and information on what to do if your pipes are frozen or have burst.

Streets and Sidewalks

Visit the town’s Street Maintenance page to see plowing guidelines and the town’s responsibilities. The page includes a map showing the town’s primary and secondary roads for ice and snow removal and the streets the town pretreats with brine.

Please do not park vehicles on streets, and do not pass vehicles plowing snow or spreading salt or brine.

The town does not clear sidewalks, parking lots, driveways or greenways. Snow may accumulate in driveways due to plowing. Town staff will clear sidewalks and parking lots at town offices as they are able.

Shelters and Warming Centers

Orange County coordinates the opening of emergency shelters and cold weather shelters. Information will be provided on its Ready Orange page.

The county plans to open warming centers from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at its main library in Hillsborough and at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill. 

Traveling

Hillsborough police advise the community to:

• Dress in layers and limit prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.
• Avoid unnecessary trips and allow extra time if you must travel.
• Assess conditions before heading out and use extra caution on hills and when approaching intersections. Conditions may change rapidly, especially on bridges and overpasses, in shaded areas, and during overnight and early morning hours when refreezing is most likely.
• Be aware of pedestrians and drivers.
• Carry a mobile phone in case of an emergency.