Due to extreme cold weather causing treatment interruptions at the Timothy G. Broome Water Treatment Plant, Johnston County has issued a temporary water shortage advisory.

Because the Town of Clayton purchases its water from Johnston County, this advisory applies to all Clayton water customers.

We ask that all customers immediately refrain from non-essential water use. Please also check for plumbing leaks, especially from frozen pipes as they begin to thaw.

The advisory is expected to last 24–48 hours. Johnston County is working to restore normal operations as quickly as possible.

We appreciate your cooperation and apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you for helping conserve water during this temporary advisory.

Town facilities will open to the public at 10 a.m., Tuesday, February 3.

Residents should plan ahead and use caution while traveling, as some roads, sidewalks, and parking areas may still be icy or have lingering snow, especially in shaded or north-facing areas.

Please continue to check the Town’s website and social media for the latest updates as conditions improve. 

We appreciate your patience and look forward to welcoming the public later in the morning.

The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement for slick roads due to black ice Monday night through Tuesday morning. Bitter cold temperatures combined with lingering snow cover will make driving hazardous, especially during the early morning commute.

Even though the high-pressure system over the Deep South is slowly moving east and temperatures may be slightly higher than this morning, overnight lows are still expected to drop into the mid to upper teens. Calm winds mean wind chills won’t reach advisory levels, but roads, sidewalks, and driveways will remain icy.

Melting from Monday’s sun may cause some runoff, but as temperatures fall tonight, this water will quickly freeze, creating black ice. Drivers should be very careful, reduce speed, allow extra distance between vehicles, and watch for hidden icy patches, particularly in shaded areas. Pedestrians should also watch their step, as sidewalks and paths may be slippery.

Stay alert and plan extra travel time if you must be on the roads Tuesday morning.

Cold weather and black ice advisories expired earlier this morning, but very cold temperatures remain in place under fresh snow cover. Icy driving conditions are expected to continue through Monday morning and may last all day in shaded areas where the sun cannot reach.

Sunshine this afternoon will help temperatures climb into the upper 30s and lower 40s, and winds will be lighter. It will take most of the morning for temperatures to rise above freezing, but the afternoon should feel more comfortable. Powdery snow will begin to melt in sunny spots while shaded areas and north facing slopes will see little to no melting.

As temperatures drop back into the 20s this evening, melted snow will quickly refreeze. Black ice is likely to form again after dark along with hardened snow and ice on roads, sidewalks, and driveways. 

Residents are urged to use extra caution, especially during the evening and overnight hours.

Snow from the weekend storm has ended, but very cold temperatures have kept many surfaces slick. Any melting that occurred during Sunday’s sunshine is expected to refreeze overnight, creating a heightened risk of black ice on bridges, shaded roads, parking lots, and sidewalks. Overnight lows will drop well below freezing, and hazardous conditions are expected to continue into Monday morning. Temperatures may rise into the upper 30s during the day, but melting will be uneven and refreezing will remain a concern.

Due to these conditions, all Town facilities will be closed to staff and the public on Monday, February 2. This includes Town Hall, The Clayton Center, Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library, and the Clayton Community Center. Parks and greenways will also remain closed until conditions improve and can be safely accessed.

The Clayton Police Department asks residents to travel only if necessary. Roads, sidewalks, and parking areas may be slick from refreezing, and even well-traveled streets can have icy patches. Drivers and pedestrians are urged to use caution, allow extra travel time, and avoid unnecessary trips until conditions improve.

The Clayton Fire Department reminds residents to be mindful of carbon monoxide risks when using secondary heating sources to stay warm in the cold weather. Generators, space heaters, and other fuel-burning appliances can produce dangerous carbon monoxide gas if not used properly. Never use these devices indoors or in enclosed spaces and ensure proper ventilation whenever using them.

Town crews have been working hard overnight and throughout Sunday. So far, 97 percent of Town-maintained roads have received at least one plow pass, and 60 percent are currently cleared. 

Conditions will continue to be monitored, and residents should remain alert for ice, particularly on bridges, shaded areas, and sidewalks.

Central North Carolina is still feeling the impacts of the weekend snowstorm. While snow has ended, very cold temperatures and lingering snow on the roads are creating dangerous conditions. A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m., Monday, and a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from 7 p.m., Sunday through 9 a.m., Monday.

Tonight, temperatures will drop into the upper single digits to around 10 degrees with some areas even colder. Even though winds will ease compared to earlier today, wind chills will feel near zero, making it extremely cold outside. Monday will stay cold with highs only reaching the mid to upper 30s, meaning snow and ice will melt very slowly, if at all. Icy spots may persist throughout the day, especially in shaded areas. Looking ahead, temperatures will warm slightly on Tuesday and Wednesday with highs in the low to mid 40s, but cold conditions will remain through much of the week.

What Residents Can Expect:

• Roads, sidewalks, and parking lots will be slippery in many areas.

• Black ice is most likely on bridges, overpasses, shaded streets, side streets, and parking lots.

• Early morning travel will be the most hazardous. 

Residents should stay home whenever possible. If travel is necessary, drive slowly, leave extra space between vehicles, and watch carefully for icy patches. Dress warmly and limit time outside. Keep pets indoors, and be aware of ice on sidewalks, driveways, and steps, as slips and falls are common in these conditions. Stay updated through local news and official Town channels for any new advisories or closures.

Clayton and central North Carolina are still under the influence of the weekend snowstorm. While snow has ended, very cold temperatures will limit melting, and much of the snow and slush is expected to refreeze as the sun sets. Overnight lows will remain below freezing, and Monday highs are only expected to reach the upper 30s, meaning snow and slush will not melt completely and icy conditions will continue.

Residents should be especially cautious of black ice, which is hard to see and can form quickly. Even roads that appear clear today may become slick overnight and early Monday morning.

What Residents Can Expect:

• Roads, sidewalks, and parking lots will be slippery in many areas.

• Black ice is most likely on bridges, overpasses, shaded streets, side streets, and parking lots.

• Early morning travel will be the most hazardous.

Travel is strongly discouraged unless absolutely necessary. Essential services, including emergency response and public works, will continue to operate, but slick roads can slow their work. Cold temperatures can also freeze pipes and pose risks to pets left outdoors. 

To stay safe, residents should remain home whenever possible. If travel is necessary, drive slowly, leave extra space between vehicles, and watch carefully for icy patches. Dress warmly and limit time outside. Be mindful of ice on sidewalks, driveways, and steps, as slips and falls are common in these conditions.

Updates will continue as conditions change.

The National Weather Service says the Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for central North Carolina through Sunday morning. While snowfall totals have been adjusted slightly downward in some areas, hazardous conditions are still expected this evening, overnight, and into early Sunday. For Clayton and much of the Triangle, snow totals are now expected to be lower than areas to the west and east, with about two to four inches possible. Even with these lower totals, travel may still become very difficult or even impossible at times.

You may have noticed that snow has been slower to develop in our area Saturday. This is because the heaviest snow bands set up earlier to the west and east of Clayton, leaving us in a temporary break between systems. As the storm continues to shift, additional snow may move back into our area this evening and overnight. Snow may fall in bursts, meaning conditions can change quickly.

Temperatures remain extremely cold with readings in the teens and low 20s. Because it is so cold, any snow that falls will stick to roads, bridges, and sidewalks right away. Wind gusts of 20 to 30 mph will continue through the night with stronger gusts possible at times. This could cause blowing and drifting snow and reduced visibility, even where snowfall amounts are lower.

Snow should begin to taper off late Saturday into early Sunday morning, but strong winds may continue to blow snow around into Sunday. Roads may remain slick and hazardous even after snowfall ends.

Cold weather remains a major concern. A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect through 1 a.m. Sunday, followed by an Extreme Cold Warning overnight into early Sunday morning. Wind chills could drop to near zero or below, making it dangerous to spend time outdoors. Very cold temperatures will continue through early next week with overnight lows dropping into the single digits and teens.

Residents are encouraged to stay mindful of changing conditions, avoid travel if possible, and continue to monitor updates from the National Weather Service and local officials. Even small amounts of snow combined with extreme cold can create dangerous conditions.

The National Weather Service says a major winter storm is now impacting central North Carolina, including Clayton, and conditions are expected to worsen through Saturday and into Sunday morning. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect as periods of snow continue across the area. Most of our community can expect between four and eight inches of snow with some spots possibly seeing higher totals above 10 inches. Snow may fall in heavier bursts at times, which could quickly reduce visibility and make road conditions change fast.

As the storm continues, wind gusts could reach 30 to 40 mph, especially later Saturday and Saturday night. Because the snow will be light and powdery, these winds may lead to blowing and drifting snow, making travel even more dangerous. There is also a chance for brief blizzard-like conditions where falling and blowing snow could limit visibility to very low levels. Travel may become difficult or even impossible at times, especially Saturday evening into Sunday morning.

Very cold Arctic air is also moving into the area and will stay with us through much of next week. A Cold Weather Advisory remains in place through early Sunday, followed by an Extreme Cold Warning Sunday morning. Wind chills today will stay in the single digits, and overnight temperatures will drop into the low teens. When combined with strong winds, it could feel as cold as zero to five degrees below zero at times. Frostbite can happen quickly in these conditions, so it is important to limit time outdoors and dress in warm layers if you must go outside.

Even after the snow ends, cold temperatures will continue through much of next week, especially with snow cover on the ground. Roads may remain icy, and travel could stay hazardous for several days.

A winter storm will impact central North Carolina starting this evening and continuing through Saturday night into Sunday morning. Most areas can expect four to eight inches of snow, but some locations - especially along and east of I-95 - could see higher amounts between eight and 12 inches. Forecasters note that exact totals are still uncertain, so conditions may vary across the region.

In addition to the snow, a strong Arctic air mass will bring well below normal temperatures today and keep the area cold through much of next week. The combination of snow and frigid temperatures could make travel difficult and create hazardous conditions on roads and bridges.

The National Weather Service advises residents to plan ahead, limit travel if possible, and stay updated on forecasts as the storm progresses. Taking precautions now can help keep you, your family, and your community safe.

To help keep everyone safe ahead of the winter weather, all after hours, evening, and weekend activities are cancelled. All Town facilities will close at 5 p.m., Friday, January 30. This closure also includes all parks and greenways.

Taking these steps now helps reduce travel during potentially hazardous conditions and supports the safety of both residents and Town staff.

The Town Council Work Session and Regular Meeting scheduled for Monday, February 2 have been canceled. The meetings will now take place on Monday, February 16. This change allows the Town to meet public notification requirements for rescheduling a public meeting.

Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 10 p.m., Friday, January 30 through 1 p.m., Sunday, February 1. Heavy snow is expected across central North Carolina with most areas likely to receive between five and eight inches. Some locations could see higher totals with localized areas possibly reaching 10 inches or more. Snowfall may come in bands of lighter and heavier snow, which could lead to quickly changing conditions and reduced visibility, similar to a winter hurricane effect. 

Conditions are expected to rapidly deteriorate Saturday morning, and roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could become very difficult or even impossible at times through the weekend. 

Winds will increase overnight Friday into Saturday with sustained speeds between 10 and 20 mph and gusts up to 35 mph continuing into Sunday night. Because the snow will be light and powdery, blowing and drifting snow may occur, further reducing visibility. Any power outages that develop are more likely to result from gusty winds rather than the weight of the snow.

A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from 1 a.m., Saturday through 1 a.m., Sunday, followed by an Extreme Cold Watch from 1 a.m. to 10 a.m., Sunday. A prolonged Arctic air mass will bring well below normal temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills. Wind chill values could drop below zero at times, creating a risk for frostbite and hypothermia if skin is exposed. 

Residents are encouraged to dress in layers, including a hat, gloves, and a face covering if going outside. Extended periods of freezing temperatures may also cause water pipes to burst, so it is important to take precautions at home, keep pets indoors as much as possible, and check on older family members, friends, and neighbors.

Johnston County Emergency Services has shared White Flag shelter options for anyone who may need a warm place to stay during the upcoming cold weather. Please call ahead before arriving to confirm availability and space.

• Street Reach of Johnston County
919-912-9854

• Smithfield Rescue Mission
919-205-1977

• The Salvation Army
470-753-6439

White Flag shelters open during periods of extreme cold to help protect those who may not have access to safe, heated housing. If you or someone you know may need a warm place to stay, please reach out to one of these resources directly for assistance.

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from 4 p.m., Thursday, January 30 - 1 p.m., Saturday, February 1. Snow is expected Friday night into Sunday morning with totals likely between five and eight inches in many areas and locally higher amounts possible. The snow will be dry and powdery, but strong winds with gusts up to 40 mph could cause blowing and drifting, creating difficult driving conditions and even blizzard-like situations in some spots. 

Travel may become dangerous or impossible, and widespread closures are possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution, take a winter storm kit with you, and be prepared in case you get stranded. The strong winds and heavy snow may also bring down tree limbs and power lines, which could cause sporadic power outages.

An Extreme Cold Watch begins 1 a.m. and lasts until 10 a.m., Sunday, February 1. Arctic air and strong winds will bring dangerously cold wind chills, possibly as low as -4 degrees. 

Frostbite and hypothermia can happen if skin is exposed, so dress in layers including a hat, gloves, and a face covering if you must go outside. Extended freezing temperatures could cause water pipes to burst, so take precautions at home. Keep pets indoors as much as possible, check on older family, friends, and neighbors, and use portable heaters safely. Do not run generators or grills inside.

This storm could bring significant snow and dangerously cold conditions, so it is important to plan ahead, stay safe, and avoid travel if possible.