Local businesses, government offices adjust schedules ahead of winter storm

CHARLOTTE — Several local businesses and government offices are changing plans for Friday ahead of this weekend’s winter weather.

UPDATES: Business & School Closings

A Winter Storm Warning was issued starting Friday at 7 a.m. and it will last through Saturday morning.

>> CLICK HERE for the latest forecast from Severe Weather Center 9

Updates:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina representatives said they’re allowing early prescription refills ahead of the storm. Early refills will be available to customers in all 100 N.C. counties through January 19.

All Cabarrus County facilities will close at noon on Friday and remain closed through Saturday, officials said.

Catawba County’s government offices, libraries, parks, and animal shelter will close at noon Friday, officials confirmed. The county’s convenience centers will close at 2 p.m. and the landfill will close at 4 p.m. County leaders said their parks, libraries, landfill, convenience centers and animal shelter will remain closed through Saturday.

In Gaston County, city leaders said GoGastonia is ending its transit services at noon.

City of Lenoir City Hall and recreational facilities will close at 3 p.m. Friday. Officials said recreational facilities will most likely be closed Saturday as well.

Mecklenburg County offices will close at noon Friday, officials said.

NCDOT preps

The North Carolina Department of Transportation told Channel 9 that several roads across Charlotte had already been treated with salt and brine on Thursday. Officials said that will lower the freezing point of water on the roads and hopefully prevent more dangerous ice patches.

NCDOT said its workers will be on 12-hour shifts to respond to any issues once the storm starts. They have nearly 2,000 trucks ready to go once the storm arrives.

Officials encouraged everyone to stay home and off the roads during the storm if possible.

Winter Weather Guide:

Stay with Channel 9 for the latest winter storm coverage.

(WATCH BELOW: Mecklenburg County shelters to activate extreme weather protocols)