Even as snow lingers on the ground in the area, forecasters are calling for icy precipitation to start falling late Thursday night and continue until about midday Christmas when it should change over to rain.

“Ice is a totally different animal than snow,” said John Shelton, director of Surry County Emergency Services.

Forecasters say a low moving in from the west will bring rain across the state, while enough cold air stays in the northern mountains to keep temperatures below freezing.

William Perry, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Va., said that the Mount Airy area is looking at about a quarter of an inch of icy precipitation starting late Thursday night. He said forecasters are predicting that it will continue until about 12 p.m. when it will switch over to rain. Perry said temperatures Friday should get up to the upper 30s.

He said places like Lowgap may get up to a half inch of icy precipitation. Pilot Mountain residents should get less than a quarter inch.

Perry said ice could accumulate on power lines, trees and bridges, creating major travel problems and possible power outages. He said falling tree limbs are also a major threat.

“There is a chance of rain Friday evening and then it should dry out overnight Friday and Saturday. There will be the return of sunshine and highs on Saturday should be in the upper 40s.”

He said the Blue Ridge mountains are expected to have the highest accretion of ice.

Shelton said he met with Department of Transportation officials on Wednesday to discuss the recent snow storm and how to prepare for the next weather event.

“We talked about different types of strategies. We decided to hit the roads early and to target certain areas. We are beefing up the 911 communications center and the highway patrol will make sure they have personnel they can call out.”

Shelton said he has already been in communication with Duke Energy about this storm.

“Duke Energy already has their storm plan ready. They bring in excess equipment and manpower. They keep in contact with us all the time. We have already gotten e-mails about this storm in particular,” Shelton said.

He said that local citizens should keep a close eye on the Surry County Safety Portal, at www.co.surry.nc.us, then click on the Public Safety link. He advised to keep 72 hours of supplies on hand in the case of severe winter storm that may hinder travel. He also warned those who will be using kerosene heaters to make sure the home is properly ventilated.

When traveling, Shelton said, “Make sure people know where you are going and the route you plan to take. Also, let them know how long you think it is going to take to get there and be sure to call them when you arrive so they know you have arrived safely.”

He also advised travelers to carry cell phones and blankets in their cars in case they do slide off the road. He said if power lines fall across the vehicle, to never get out until help has arrived and secured the scene.

He said this storm comes at a particularly bad time because of the holiday.

“Most people are going to want to be with their families. If they are going to want to get out, they need to check the forecast and make sure it is safe for travel. If you don’t have to get out, please stay home and off the roads,” Shelton said.

Contact Mondee Tilley at mtilley@mtairynews.com or at 719-1930.