Closings have been announced for Weldon, Roanoke Rapids and Northampton County schools as well as Halifax Academy. District Courts for Bertie, Halifax, Hertford and Northampton counties have also been canceled. Northampton County government officers are closed.

According to the National Weather Service, the winter storm warning remains in effect from midnight to 6 p.m. Saturday.

(rrspin will update with additional closings later this evening)

The NWS predicts east of the Triad and north of the Highway 64 corridor there will be a mixture of snow and sleet with an eventual transition to freezing rain Friday afternoon. Snow and sleet accumulations of 3 to 6 inches are possible, according to the latest forecast, which was updated shortly before 5 p.m.

An additional quarter to half-inch of ice from freezing rain is also possible.

In Raleigh, Governor Pat McCrory is urging North Carolinians to prepare for winter weather and monitor local forecasts as the state’s first significant winter storm moves in late this evening.

McCrory has declared a State of Emergency to prepare for expected snow and ice accumulations over the next 36 to 48 hours.

Meanwhile, Dominion Power said in a statement it is fine-tuning its preparations for the storm and continues communications with neighboring utilities to bring out-of-state resources into the area to assist with restoration. “We encourage customers across our service area to prepare now for the possibility of power outages that could last for multiple days, beginning as early as Friday as the severe weather arrives.”

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said if inclement weather does affect the area over the weekend and roads are unsafe to travel, stay home.

The sheriff's office will provide transportation to essential employees — nurses, doctors and nursing home employees.

Call the sheriff at 252-578-6761 to make the request.

In a statement released this afternoon, Halifax Deputy County Manager Dia Denton said, “Halifax County officials are strongly urging residents to stay home during and after the expected winter weather event beginning Friday morning and lasting at least through Saturday.

“Weather forecasts are changing hourly and the potential exists for rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow. Residents are asked to be prepared to stay home for at least three days and to have enough food, medicine and supplies to last at least that period of time.”