In response to Friday’s winter storm, the Town announces the following cancellations and delays related to services and facility closures over the weekend:
STREETS: The Town’s Public Works department spent Friday pre-treating roads with salt brine. Crews will transition to plowing streets tonight, which will continue around the clock until the roadways are clear. The police department reports streets have become hazardous following the afternoon’s snowfall, resulting in some accidents already. Captain Robert Heaton states, “Roads are very slick already and residents are advised to stay at home. Based on past history with snow and ice, we know that E. Connecticut Avenue, E. Indiana Avenue, and NC 22/Central Drive near Midland Road and Reservoir Park, will be especially dangerous.”
GARBAGE & RECYCLING SERVICES: The collection of garbage and recycling on Friday, January 21 was postponed to Monday, January 24. All routes will be delayed one day for the week of January 24 – Monday’s route will be picked up on Tuesday, Tuesday’s route will be picked up on Wednesday, and so on and so forth.
LIBRARY: The Southern Pines Public Library will be closed on Saturday. Staff will evaluate conditions for opening on Sunday.
RECREATION PROGRAMS: Recreation league basketball practices on Saturday and open gym on Sunday have both been canceled.
PARKS: Reservoir Park may be temporarily closed due to icy conditions on NC-22/Central Drive. The public is asked to exercise caution in all parks as fallen trees and large branches still remain from last weekend’s ice storm.
POWER OUTAGES: “Winter storms are challenging to predict because a few miles and a few degrees can make all the difference as to the type of precipitation an area experiences, and whether or not power outages occur,” states Duke Energy District Manager, David McNeill. “We held back Duke Energy team members from the Midwest and Florida and some of our contractors from other companies to make sure we’re prepared for this weekend’s potential storm. As part of our standard process and procedure after every major storm, we do a ‘sweep’ of the hardest hit areas to identify and eliminate any vulnerabilities that may have been created by the storm and not addressed as a part of restoration.”
To report a power outage on the Duke Energy system, call 1-800-419-6356, report online at www.duke-energy.com/outages, or text OUT to 57801.
MOORE COUNTY WARMING SHELTER: Moore County Public Safety is operating a warming shelter at the Hillcrest Sports Complex in the 100 block of Hillcrest Park Lane, Carthage. Anyone who wishes to stay at the facility must complete a pre-screening questionnaire for symptoms of COVID-19. Efforts will be made to assist those in need of transportation as resources can safely accommodate. For information on the shelter, call 910-947-6317.
“We encourage you to check on our most vulnerable neighbors - those who have special medical needs or the homebound elderly - to help with medications or medical equipment and to ensure they have emergency supplies and are not suffering any dangerous effects from the cold,” notes Assistant Town Manager, Jessica Roth. “This is especially important for our residents who rely on assistance from people outside the home since they may not be able to easily drive to them. As an example, the Town’s fire department received multiple calls last weekend from residents needing assistance transitioning oxygen machines to alternate sources of power. Please do not hesitate to call 911 if you need further assistance from Town emergency personnel.”
Town staff will monitor conditions and release further updates and resources, as needed. Stay safe and warm, Southern Pines!