****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.
Chatham County Roundup: County Commissioner Amanda Robertson on Chantal Anniversary and NACo
Chair of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners Amanda Robertson joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Tuesday, July 7.
Chatham County Sheriff's Office: Body of Teenage Swimmer Found After Search at Jordan Lake
A search for a missing swimmer at Jordan Lake, last seen Saturday evening, will continue into Monday morning, the Chatham County Sheriff's Office said.
2 Chatham County Schools Administrators Begin New Roles in District
A pair of Chatham County Schools administrators will be taking on new roles for the upcoming school year, the district announced Tuesday. Michelle Burton, currently the Executive Director of Secondary Education & Career and Technical Education, has been named the Deputy Chief of Student Support & Innovative Programs. Meanwhile, Carla Murray, currently the district’s Executive […]
A Pipeline Company Says It Will Protect the Environment in North Carolina. Its Record in Tennessee Says Otherwise.
Federal records show Chatham residents’ concerns about Enbridge’s environmental performance are valid. Over the past seven months, an Enbridge subsidiary has amassed a dozen non-compliance events related to its Ridgeline Expansion Project in central Tennessee.
Chatham County Roundup: "On The Porch" Host Randy Voller
Former Pittsboro Mayor, Real Estate Developer, and "On The Porch" host Randy Voller spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, June 24. He discussed a recent trip to Washington, D.C.  with the Association of Realtors. He discussed the current state of the real estate market in the area, talked about the implications of a proposed pipeline in Chatham County, and more.
Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp on Tri River Water, More
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, June 23, discussing town news and events. They discussed the recent meeting of the board with county commissioners and boards from other towns in the county. He also gave an update on Tri River Water, talked about downtown planning, and more.
Refuel Prepares to Open Renovated Chapel Hill Location; Will Feature New Local Mural
Refuel will celebrate the reopening of a newly renovated gas station, featuring a new mural, in Chapel Hill on Saturday, June 27 at 11 a.m.
The Morning News: Digital Learning at CHCCS, New Chatham Commissioner, College World Series
In today's news: CHCCS approves a new digital learning plan, and Chatham Commissioners appoint Sheriff Mike Roberson to their board.
Roberson Accepts Appointment to Chatham County Commissioners' Seat; Will Step Down as Sheriff in July
Longtime Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson will officially step down from the role and join the county’s Board of Commissioners after accepting an appointment to the elected body.
›