RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — As temperatures continue to decrease across central North Carolina, the National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a cold weather advisory for parts of the region.
The advisory will be in effect from midnight until 9 a.m. Thursday and will affect the following counties:
- Cumberland
- Edgecombe
- Halifax
- Harnett
- Hoke
- Johnston
- Lee
- Moore
- Nash
- Sampson
- Scotland
- Wayne
- Wilson
NWS Raleigh said "very cold ambient air and wind chill temperatures in the single digits above zero" are expected in the areas under the cold weather advisory. Impacts from the severe temperatures include frostbite and hypothermia after prolonged exposure.

"Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves," NWS Raleigh said. "Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food, and unfrozen water."
NWS Raleigh also advised the public to check on older family, friends and neighbors in the advisory area and make sure proper heating sources are used correctly.
In addition to the cold weather advisory, a winter weather advisory is still in effect — also until 9 a.m. Thursday — for the following counties:
- Cumberland
- Edgecombe
- Franklin
- Halifax
- Harnett
- Hoke
- Johnston
- Lee
- Nash
- Sampson
- Scotland
- Wake
- Warren
- Wayne
- Wilson
In these areas, roads are expected to be slick and hazardous "due to lingering snowpack and black ice," NWS Raleigh said.

Drivers are encouraged to use caution on the roads and slow down. NWS Raleigh also advises anyone going outside to watch their step as surfaces such as stairs, driveways and sidewalks could also be icy and slippery.