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Wake Forest prepared for wintry weather

Member for

7 years
January 23, 2026
  • A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Wake County and much of central North Carolina from 1 p.m. Saturday through 1 p.m. Monday. 
  • Heavy mixed precipitation is expected that may have major impacts on roads and power. 
  • Based on the current forecast, Go Wake Forest will suspend service at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, until further notice. 
  • In the event power outages occur, restoration efforts may be delayed by hazardous road conditions, meaning some outages could last longer than normal. 
  • Crews will respond as quickly as is safely possible to get the power back on.
  • Wake Forest will post weather-related updates on the Town website at http://bit.ly/WFSevereWeatherUpdates.  

WAKE FOREST, NC – A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Wake County and much of central North Carolina from 1 p.m. Saturday through 1 p.m. Monday. Heavy mixed precipitation is expected that may have major impacts on roads and power. 


Service Changes

Based on the current forecast, Go Wake Forest will suspend service at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, until further notice. Adverse weather and road conditions may impact service hours early next week.

Town officials will continue to closely monitor weather conditions over the next several days. In the event of inclement weather, additional service changes may be necessary.


Public Works

On Tuesday, crews began applying brine to Wake Forest roads, bridges, overpasses, and traditional slick spots. Crews will continue such preparations through Friday evening.

Brine is a salt and water mixture. The use of brine uses less salt since it is applied in liquid form, and the salt can begin to work immediately. Unlike rock salt which can roll off or be blown off hard surfaces, brine bonds to the pavement. It is also more effective than solid salt in lower temperatures. Once ice forms on roads, crews spread a mixture of salt and sand to melt the ice.

Wake Forest has over 300 tons of sand/salt mix supply on site, along with eight truck-mounted plows, four spreaders, one backhoe, and one loader equipment available to clear Wake Forest's 156 miles of roads. 

In the event of wintry weather, crews will respond around the clock until the event has ended and roads are safe. Crews 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.


Wake Forest Power

In the event power outages occur, Wake Forest Power crews are prepared and ready to respond. However, restoration efforts may be delayed by hazardous road conditions, meaning some outages could last longer than normal. Still, crews will respond as quickly as is safely possible to get the power back on.


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.


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. 


Prevent Frozen Pipes 

During periods of extremely cold weather, the Town of Wake Forest and Raleigh Water often field calls from customers reporting broken water pipes. When pipes break between the water meter and the home or within the home, the customer is responsible for repairs. Since Raleigh Water operates and maintains Wake Forest's water and sewer system, it is responsible for repairing any damage to pipes between the water main under the street and the meter, or in the main itself, which rarely happens since water runs continuously in the mains. For more information, call Raleigh Water 919-996-3245. 

Here are some tips to help keep pipes from freezing:

  • Have regular pipe maintenance done - at least once year.
  • Regularly change filters around the house.
  • Drip a faucet so pipes don't burst. (Drip only one faucet in the house. Choose one close to an exterior wall so pipes don't freeze)
  • Open cabinet doors where pipes are so they can feel the heat from the home.
  • Turn off the outdoor sprinkler system.
  • Detach the water hose from the outdoor faucet.


Plan Ahead

Take time now to ensure you're ready for adverse winter weather:

  • Be proactive and locate and learn how to use your residence’s master water shut off valve in the event of broken utility pipes.
  • Do not park on streets so that Town equipment can service the area.
  • Be neighborly and check on neighbors to ensure everyone is OK.
  • Stay indoors during severe winter weather. If you do decide to venture out - whether walking or driving - let family, friends, and/or neighbors know when and where you are going so that they can contact emergency officials should you fail to reach your destination. Take a cell phone just in case.


Stay Informed

When severe weather occurs, the Town issues regular updates through a variety of means. To stay informed residents can: