Severe Weather Updates
This page provides the latest information on Town of Wake Forest operations during severe weather. Announcements about town services are also provided in Town news releases and E-Alerts, through the Town app, and on Facebook.
Please bookmark this page, then during severe weather events check it often for updates as schedules are subject to change.
During significant weather events, this page is provided as a function of the Town of Wake Forest app.
Winter Weather Update
Thursday, Feb. 20 | 5:30 pm
Openings & Closings
Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St., will open Friday at 10 a.m.
The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre Box Office, 405 S. Brooks St., will be open Friday from 1-5 p.m. Please note: Saturday’s Minority & Women-Owned Business Expo at the Renaissance Centre is on as scheduled from 1-4 p.m.
Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road, Flaherty Park Community Center, 1226 N. White St., and Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St., will be open noon-8 p.m. Friday, then resume normal hours of operation Saturday (8 a.m.-4 p.m.).
Northern Wake Senior Center, 235 E. Holding Ave., and Meals on Wheels will be closed Friday. Meals will not be delivered to home-delivered clients.
Schedule Changes
Go Wake Forest suspended service on Thursday and will delay the start of Friday service until 10 a.m.
Thursday's Board of Adjustment meeting has been canceled.
Friday's Black History Month Walking Tour has been canceled.
Solid Waste
Due to icy road conditions, Republic Services (RS) will not operate on Friday.
RS will service the Thursday and Friday trash collection routes on Saturday, Feb. 22.
RS will not service the Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday recycling collection routes this week. Those routes will be serviced next week (February 26-28) according to the normal operations schedule.
Yard waste collection will resume Friday.
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources
All PRCR programs scheduled for Thursday and Friday have been canceled.
All youth basketball games scheduled for Thursday have been canceled and will be rescheduled. No games or practices are scheduled for Friday.
NOTE: The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department's inclement weather policy states that whenever inclement weather conditions force the Wake County Public School System to close schools or implement an early release, then all PRCR games and practices will be canceled at all sites.
Wake Forest Power
No power outages have been reported. Wake Forest Power works to minimize storm impacts year-round through preventive maintenance, including trimming of trees around Wake Forest’s 140 miles of overhead electric distribution lines.
Winter Weather Update
Thursday, Feb. 20 | 7 am
Road Conditions
Wake Forest Police say roads are icy and extremely dangerous. Residents are strongly encouraged to stay inside.
Since noon Wednesday, officers have responded to several weather-related crashes. Fortunately, none involved serious injuries.
The portion of Durham Road/NC 98 between Tyler Run Drive and South Wingate Street continues to cause major problems for motorists as several disabled vehicles have been reported in this area.
Again, residents are urged to stay off the roads. 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.
Winter Weather Update
Wednesday, Feb. 19 | 8 pm
Winter Weather Update - closings & schedule changes
Openings & Closings
The Wake Forest Town Hall will open at noon Thursday, Feb. 20.
Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road, Flaherty Park Community Center, 1226 N. White St., Wake Forest Community House, 133 W. Owen Ave., and Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St., will be closed Thursday.
Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St., will be closed Thursday. All classes have been canceled and will be rescheduled.
Northern Wake Senior Center and Meals on Wheels will be closed Thursday. Meals will not be delivered to home-delivered clients.
Schedule Changes
Thursday's Board of Adjustment meeting has been canceled.
UPDATE - Go Wake Forest will suspend service on Thursday.
Solid Waste
Thursday's curbside trash and recycling collections have been canceled. As a result, the Thursday and Friday routes will be collected one day later than normal and extend into Saturday. So, Thursday’s route will be collected Friday and Friday’s route will be collected Saturday.
- Wednesday's recycling route will be run Wednesday, Feb. 26.
Yard Waste collection will be suspended on Thursday.
Road Conditions
According to Wake Forest Police, road conditions are deteriorating, especially along Durham Road/NC 98.
Residents are strongly encouraged to stay off the roads. If you must go out, proceed with caution. Before driving, 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. While driving, turn on your headlights, and give extra following distance to allow more stopping time on slippery surfaces.
Attention Pedestrians
When you're out and about, please walk along sidewalks, not in the street and roadway. During winter weather events, Police often witness pedestrians walking in the middle of the road. During wintry weather, your chances of being struck by a motorist are much greater due to poor visibility and icy road conditions.
Winter Weather Update
Tuesday, Feb. 18 | 5 pm
The Town of Wake Forest is monitoring the inclement weather forecast for our area.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Wake County from 7 a.m. Wednesday to 10 am. Thursday.
Mixed precipitation is expected with total snow and sleet accumulations of up to three inches possible.
Wake Forest preparing for wintry weather, service changes & closures announced
Closings & Schedule Changes
Due to the forecast, the following Wake Forest programs, services, and facilities are impacted:
- Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road, Flaherty Park Community Center, 1226 N. White St., Wake Forest Community House, 133 W. Owen Ave., and Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St., will be closed Wednesday.
Northern Wake Senior Center, 235 E. Holding Ave., and Meals on Wheels will be closed Wednesday, Feb. 19. For updates, call 919-554-4111.
- The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St., will be closed. Tickets can be purchased online.
All youth basketball games and practices scheduled for Wednesday have been canceled and will be rescheduled. PLEASE NOTE: The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department's inclement weather policy states that whenever inclement weather conditions force the Wake County Public School System to close schools or implement an early release, then all PRCR games and practices will be canceled at all sites.
Wednesday's Musical Theater Workshop at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St., is canceled.
Go Wake Forest will suspend service Wednesday, Feb. 19, at noon.
Solid Waste
Wednesday’s recycling collection has been canceled, so crews can focus on trash collection.
Beginning at 6 a.m. Wednesday, Republic Services will dedicate 13 trucks (five more than usual) to Wednesday’s trash collection route. Republic’s goal is to complete as much of Wednesday’s route as possible before the winter weather arrives causing hazardous road conditions. Residents on the Wednesday trash collection route are urged to leave their rollout trash carts at the curb by 6 a.m. Wednesday.
Yard waste collection will run according to the normal schedule unless or until road conditions become hazardous.
Additional information will be provided as it becomes available, including updates to this week’s recycling collection schedule.
Town Hall
- The Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St., will open at 8 a.m. Wednesday. Town officials will monitor conditions throughout the day and make schedule adjustments as necessary.
How Public Works...works
On Monday, crews began applying brine to Wake Forest bridges, overpasses, and traditional slick spots. Staff will continue such preparations through Tuesday evening.
Once snow accumulates on the roads, crews will spread salt and sand on town-owned primary and secondary roads as needed. After two-to-four inches of snow accumulates, crews of 10 will use six plows to begin clearing primary roads in 12-hour shifts. They will continue plowing town-owned primary roads until they are passable. Crews will then transition to town-owned secondary roads before moving to residential streets as a last priority. This Powell Bill Map identifies NCDOT-maintained roads and Town-owned roads.
It is important to note that as snow amounts fluctuate, crews will move back and forth between primary and secondary roads. Based on this forecast, you can expect that the street in front of your home will not be plowed until Thursday evening or Friday morning.
You can help us be safe and move more quickly by staying off the road, moving your car into your driveway, and being prepared to stay home for the next three days.
Winter Weather Update
Monday, Feb. 17 | 1 pm
With weather forecasters calling for the possibility of frozen precipitation on Wednesday and Thursday, the Town of Wake Forest is fully prepared should wintry weather affect our community. Forecasters say snow, sleet, and freezing rain are all possibilities from Wednesday morning through Thursday morning.
Town facilities will operate on a normal schedule unless announced otherwise. Any changes will be announced via the Town’s normal communications channels.
Public Works
In anticipation of this winter event, on Monday crews began applying brine to Wake Forest bridges, overpasses, and traditional slick spots. Based on the current forecast, staff anticipate continuing preparations at least through Tuesday 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, one motor grader and two backhoes available to clear Wake Forest's 156 miles of roads. Crews are positioned to respond around the clock until this event has ended and roads are safe.
In the event of ice or snow, crews will 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.
Important Reminders
Be a Good Neighbor
Tie down or bring indoors any objects that might be blown around by strong winds (outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, display racks, signs and any other loose objects that are normally left outside).
Secure all items that cannot be brought inside, including rollout trash and recycling carts.
Help prevent flooding by clearing debris from storm drains along your streets.
Street Flooding Hazards
Drivers should not attempt to cross a flooded roadway. The depth of the water is not always apparent, and a foot of water can sweep a vehicle off the road.
The following Wake Forest-area streets are prone to flooding and should be approached cautiously during significant rainfall events:
Durham Road/NC-98, Richland Creek
East Juniper Avenue near North Allen Road
East Juniper Avenue near North White Street
Forestville Road, Toms Creek
Forestville Road, Sanford Creek
Harris Road, Richland Creek
Heritage Heights Lane, 1300 Block
Jenkins Road, Horse Creek
Ligon Mill Road, Smith Creek
Ligon Mill Road, Toms Creek
North Main Street, Walnut Avenue to Cedar Avenue
North White Street, Juniper Street to Flaherty Avenue
Oak Grove Church Road, Dunn Creek
Purnell Road at Jackson Road, Horse Creek
Purnell Road, Mud Branch
Rogers Road, Sanford Creek
Rogers Road, Smith Creek
West Oak Avenue, Richland Creek
Wait Avenue, Dunn Creek
Wall Road, Wallridge Drive to Harris Road
Watkins Farm Road at Young Street
Reporting Flooded Roads
Report hazardous road conditions by calling 919-554-6150.
Please do not report flooded road conditions via SeeClickFix.
Tips for Motorists
Wintry Weather
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.
Wet Weather
The NCDOT shared these tips for driving in wet weather:
Avoid driving through flooded areas, even if they seem shallow. Just one foot of water can float many vehicles, while two feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and pick-ups.
After driving through a puddle, tap your brake pedal to help dry your brake rotors.
If your car starts to hydroplane, take your foot off the gas, apply the brakes in a steady, slightly firm manner without stomping and steer in the direction of the skid. If you have a manual transmission, push in the clutch and let the car slow down on its own.
If the rain is extremely heavy, pull over in a safe area in a parking lot or on the roadside with your emergency flashers on, away from any trees or other tall objects, and wait for the weather to improve.
Allow more travel time.
Turn on your low beam headlights and use the defroster to increase visibility.
If possible, stay in the middle lane where the road tends to be higher.
Reduce your speed by at least five to 10 miles per hour and allow at least twice the normal following distance.
Signal for turns ahead of time and brake early as you near a stop. Remember, roads are slickest in the first 10 to 15 minutes, especially if it has not rained for a while.
If a traffic signal is knocked out by a storm, regard the intersection as a four-way stop. If two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, the car to the right has the right of way and after signaling, may move in any direction. If two facing vehicles approach the intersection at the same time, any car traveling straight ahead or turning right has the right of way.
Reporting Blocked Storm Drains
Public Works crews work to clear obstructions from storm drains along local streets and roadways year-round, but especially when the forecast calls for significant weather events, such as hurricanes and tropical storms.
Community members can assist in this effort and help prevent flooding by clearing debris from storm drains along their streets.
Residents can also report blocked storm drains via SeeClickFix; by calling Public Works at 919-435-9570 weekdays 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; and by calling 919-554-6150 weekdays after 3:30 p.m. and on weekends and holidays.
Emergency vs Non-Emergency Calls
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 flooded road conditions via SeeClickFix.
All non-emergency calls, including reports of hazardous road conditions and immediate needs for service, should be placed to 919-554-6150.
Reporting Power Outages
Wake Forest Power customers call 919-435-9478 or visit https://bit.ly/WFPOutageMap and click on “Report Outage”;
Wake Electric customers call 855-280-1147;
Duke Energy Progress customers call 800-419-6356.
If the Power Goes Out
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Food usually stays frozen about 48 hours. A refrigerator can keep food cold for about four hours. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out.
Do not connect a generator directly to your home's electrical system. It is dangerous to you, your neighbors and utility workers. Follow manufacturer's directions regarding connecting appliances directly to your generator.
Restoring power after a storm can be challenging, as travel conditions are poor. Before power can be restored, crews first assess damage and determine which crews, equipment and supplies will be needed to make repairs. Because of this, customers may see damage assessors patrolling their neighborhoods before crews arrive to begin work.
Crews prioritize work to ensure the largest number of customers are restored as quickly as possible. Essential services, such as hospitals and emergency response facilities, are the first priority.
If you lose power, turn off as many appliances and electronics as possible. This helps with restoration efforts because it reduces the immediate demand on power lines when power is restored.
Once your power is restored, please wait a few minutes before turning your equipment back on.
Reporting Downed Trees
Rain-saturated soil and the potential for wind gusts increase the possibility of downed trees, which can fall on vehicles and buildings and can take down powerlines. During heavy rain and wind events, the National Weather Service advises seeking shelter in a sturdy structure and moving to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.
Report downed trees via SeeClickFix or by calling 919-554-6150.
If you encounter trees downed during storms on roads, sidewalks or other public areas, contact the Town rather than trying to handle them on your own. In addition to being heavy and difficult to manage, trees and limbs often come into contact with dangerous, live electrical wires which can cause serious injury or death.
Please do not call 911 unless there is an emergency posing an immediate threat to life, health, or property.
Frozen Pipes
During periods of extremely cold weather, the Town of Wake Forest and Raleigh Water (formerly City of Raleigh Public Utilities Department) 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 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 on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 919-996-4540. On nights and weekends, call 919-829-1930.
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.
Stay Informed
In the event severe weather occurs, the Town issues regular updates through a variety of means. To stay informed residents are urged to:
Bookmark this page (Severe Weather Updates)
Visit the Town's Facebook page
Download the Town of Wake Forest app
Sign up for Town alerts and email notifications
Sign up to receive text messages and phone call notifications via Blackboard Connect