The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Watauga County in effect from midnight through 4 p.m. Saturday.

Snow and sleet are expected to begin Thursday night and continue through Friday. Nighttime accumulation of two to four inches are possible.

Friday morning is forecasted to kick off with snow, changing to freezing rain and sleet into the afternoon. Greater than a quarter inch of ice accumulation is possible.

The NWS says travel will become difficult Friday morning into Saturday.

Watauga County Emergency Management issued a statement reminding residents to keep emergency supplies on hand in case of power outages.

Cell phones should be charged and fresh batteries in flashlights. Candles, matches, a radio with fresh batteries, non-perishable food items, oil lamps with extra oil, candles in holders, a gas or charcoal grill for outdoor use only, extra blankets, a manual can opener, paper platers, gallon jugs filled with drinking water, and a thermos for keeping drinks and baby formula warm are recommended.

Residents can fill bathtubs with water for flush toilets. To keep food preserved, avoid opening refrigerators and freezers. Emergency management recommends keeping blankets over freezers and refrigerators to help insulate them during in the case of an extended outage.

To report a power outage call Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation's Powerline at (800) 448-2383.

Blue Ridge also reminds customers to make sure to turn off all appliances, especially any heat-producing electric equipment such as electric stoves and ovens during an outage. Leave one light fixture as an alert when power is restored.

For severe weather preparedness tips or to view a live outage map, visit www.BlueRidgeEMC.com.

Updates and information can also be found on Blue Ridge Electric's Facebook page.

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