Montreat Minute 1/30/26
Be Ready for Another Winter Storm!
Winter Storm “Gianna” (last week’s storm was “Fern”) is expected to impact the East Coast this weekend, with the potential for significant snowfall (4-5” at this writing) and gusty winds across the Carolinas and Virginia. Once again, Town of Montreat staff are actively monitoring the forecast, and our Public Works and Police departments are prepared to respond as needed.
As the Weather Channel described it, “You’ll hear the words bomb cyclone, nor’easter and winter storm all thrown around as we head toward the weekend. But regardless of what you want to label it, how it could impact you is what matters. The Carolinas will be in the bull’s-eye for heavy snow as the storm moves up the East Coast. Strong winds near the coast could make for possible blizzard conditions on Saturday for some.” To make matters worse, temperatures are expected to drop into the teens through Tuesday.
As last weekend, residents are strongly encouraged to stay off the roads whenever possible to allow crews to clear roadways quickly and safely. Your compliance last week allowed the Public Works staff to clear roads of snow and ice, making for a speedy storm recovery. We ask that you do the same this weekend.
We will share updates as conditions change. Thank you for helping keep yourself, your neighbors, and our community safe.
What to Do During the Storm
As we know from last week, being stuck indoors for several days can be challenging for active people and families. Here are some suggestions to be safe and to NOT be bored:
Safety and Preparation (If the power goes out)
Stay Warm: Gather in one room, use blankets, and wear hats to retain body heat
Safety First: Do not use generators, grills, or camp stoves inside due to carbon monoxide risks
Conserve Utilities: Open cabinet doors to let heat reach plumbing
Water: Fill a bathtub for cooking, washing and toilet flushing
Emergency Supplies: Keep battery-powered radios, flashlights, and extra food/bottled water on hand
Breaking the Boredom Indoors
Bake & Cook: Make comfort food like soup, chili, mac and cheese, and of course brownies
Movie/Reading Marathon: Binge-watch shows or read books while tucked under blankets
Organize: Clean a “junk drawer”, organize a closet, delete messages in your inbox, or go through your bookshelves and give the unwanted books to the library or put in the “little library” boxes around Town
Play Games: Pull out and dust off some of your old board and card games and play them on the floor in front of the fire, heater or wrap yourselves in blankets
Document Goals: Journal, plan future trips, or work on your budget
Write letters: Pull out some stationery and hand write letters or notes to friends or relatives
Create a Living Room Campsite: Build a massive blanket fort or set up a real tent in the living room with sleeping bags for an indoor camp-out
Indoor “Snowball” Fight: Use rolled-up socks or wad up white printer paper to have an indoor battle
Snow Ice Cream: Mix the fresh fallen snow with milk, sugar, and vanilla for a special winter treat
Catch Up on Your Sleep: Last but not least and perhaps the best activity of all, catch up on your lost sleep with naps
All in all, enjoy the circumstances and stay warm and safe. Let us know how you spent your “snowstorm time” by writing info@townofmontreat.org and telling us what you did. We will save your ideas to share during the next storm
Updates and Reminders
· The Montreat Landcare Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, February 4th, at 9:00 am in the Town Hall Community Room. The meeting will be live streamed. For agenda information and streaming instructions, CLICK HERE. All are invited.
· Do you receive your own copy of the Montreat Minute or know someone who doesn’t? Sign up for the Sunshine List to receive the Montreat Minute and stay “in the know” about the Town’s happenings. CLICK HERE to sign up for the list!
· Do you receive Montreat CodeRED alerts, an emergency communications system used a number of times during the hurricane? If not, CLICK HERE to register and ensure you will be contacted in the event of an emergency.
Questions or Comments?
Do you have Town-related questions or comments to offer? If so, please send them to Angie Murphy at info@townofmontreat.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please stay safe through the storm
