RICHMOND COUNTY — Lingering ice, frigid temperatures and the risk of refreezing across Richmond County are keeping students on a remote instructional day and leading local governments to resume operations cautiously on Tuesday following winter storm Fern.
Richmond County Schools announced it will continue operating on a remote instructional day for students on Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to ice remaining on secondary roads and overnight temperatures expected to cause refreezing.
“Out of an abundance of caution, Richmond County Schools will continue to operate on a remote instructional day for students, tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27th due to the ice remaining on secondary roads and overnight temperatures that are expected to result in refreezing. Staff will have an optional workday with a two-hour delay,” read a statement issued by Richmond County Schools.
The statement continued, “Students should complete the second day of remote work assigned by their teachers. We plan to return to a regular schedule on Wednesday, January 28th for all students and staff. If there are any changes we will share an update by 5 p.m. tomorrow. We appreciate your patience as we continue to prioritize the safety of our students and staff.”
The National Weather Service issued a severe weather advisory for Richmond County from 9 p.m. Monday to 10 a.m. Tuesday, with cold wind chills expected to drop into the single digits above zero across the southern Piedmont, Sandhills and parts of the coastal plain.
“Very cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure,” read the advisory.
Richmond County announced in a Monday press release that emergency operations were deactivated following the storm and the shelter at Richmond Senior High School closed at noon Jan. 26.
“Road conditions across Richmond County are steadily improving. While most roadways are clear, residents are advised to remain cautious of isolated icy spots, particularly in shaded areas and on bridges,” read the press release. “North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) continues to work diligently, utilizing salt trucks to address remaining hazardous areas. Please be mindful that we could also see some black ice on Tuesday morning as temps drop to single digits.”
According to the release, Richmond County residents experienced a total of 372 power outages that are “being addressed now by utility workers.”
“Richmond County Government would like to extend its sincere appreciation to all staff, partner agencies, first responders, utility providers, and support organizations for their dedication and assistance throughout Winter Storm Fern,” read the release. “Their coordinated efforts played a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents.”
Municipal offices across the county announced modified operations for Tuesday. The city of Rockingham offices will open on a two-hour delay, with buildings opening at 10 a.m.
“All other city services will resume their regular schedules with due caution and may be adjusted as needed to ensure the safety of staff and residents,” read an update issued by the city of Rockingham.
Garbage collection in Rockingham will resume Tuesday, Jan. 27, with Monday and Thursday routes collected Tuesday and Thursday and Friday routes collected Wednesday and Friday.
“Please place carts at the curb on your rescheduled collection day. Thank you for your patience and understanding as crews work to safely complete all routes,” the statement concluded.
The city of Hamlet will resume normal business operations Tuesday, Jan. 27. The town of Dobbins Heights will reopen on a two-hour delay at 10 a.m.
“Employees and citizens are still advised to use caution traveling on the roads and be on alert for possible black ice,” read a post made by the town on social media.