****UPDATE: Chatham County officials said as of 2:45 p.m. Thursday power outages had dipped to around 2,400.****

Chatham County has declared a State of Emergency amid widespread power outages after approximately 12 inches of snow fell in portions of the county on Wednesday.

The declaration went into effect at 8 a.m. Thursday “due to the impact of the excessive snow and resulting power outages.”

County officials reported that 5,786 Chatham County residents were without power as of 7 a.m. Thursday. Utility crews were working to restore that power, prioritizing “main power feeder lines and outages affecting large concentrations of customers.”

Many roadways across Chatham County remain unplowed as of Thursday morning. And the emergency declaration allows for “inter-municipal and inter-county mutual aid,” according to the county.

Chatham County opened shelter locations Wednesday night and officials reported 11 residents reported to those locations. The county’s shelter at the Eastern Senior Center in Pittsboro will be open “as long as needed.” Residents are asked to call (919) 545-8164 before traveling to the shelter and to bring all medications as well as food, water, toiletries and other personal items. The shelter has closed as of 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

Otherwise, county officials are asking residents to stay off the roads, if possible.

Orange County has also declared a State of Emergency.

Related Stories
‹
Orange and Chatham County Local Governments Announce Closures, Delays From Winter Storm
After snow and freezing temperatures blasted the region, local governments in Orange and Chatham counties will remain closed for Thursday.
The Morning News: Chatham Residents Fight Pipeline, Breadman's Shut Down, Steve Belichick on Medical Leave
Chatham County residents speak out against a proposed natural gas pipeline, and an iconic Chapel Hill restaurant is abruptly shuttered.
Chatham County Residents Speak Out Against Proposed Enbridge Gas Pipeline
More than 300 people who are against the development attended, and 50 of them spoke directly to the Chatham County Board of Commissioners.
Latest Update on Disney's Asteria Neighborhood in Pittsboro Features Entrance Design
Disney posted the "first look" of its entrance sign into Pittsboro's Asteria neighborhood on Wednesday, featuring a "moon gate" archway.
The Morning News: Mike Roberson, Chatham Pipeline, Chapel Hill Vehicle Break-Ins, Dean Dome
In today's news: former Chatham County sheriff Mike Roberson steps into a new role as a Chatham County Commissioner.
Longtime Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson Sworn in as District 3 Commissioner
Longtime Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson recently stepped into a new role as a county commissioner for District 3.
Chatham County Roundup: County Commissioner Karen Howard
Chatham County Commissioner Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey o Tuesday, August 5, discussing county news and events. She discussed her recent attendance at the NACo (The national Association of Counties), and major takeaways, including how communities are addressing data centers. She also previewed an upcoming meeting of the county commissioners to address a proposed natural gas pipeline through the southern part of the county, and more.
The Morning News: Expanding the Arts, Chatham Transit, Michael Lombardi
In today's news: the Eno Arts Mill is set to reopen, UNC moves to expand the Ackland Art Museum, and Michael Lombardi speaks out.
Steve Maynor Sworn In as New Chatham County Sheriff; Will Run for Full Term in November
Steve Maynor was officially sworn in as the new Chatham County Sheriff during a ceremony in Pittsboro Thursday, replacing Mike Roberson.
Pittsboro to Expand On-Demand Rideshare Options with Microtransit Service
The Town of Pittsboro is working to create an on-demand rideshare service to expand transit options for evening and weekend riders.
›