Severe weather preparation leads to $100,000 lottery prize

Dec. 14 (UPI) -- A North Carolina woman said some last-minute weather preparation led to her winning a $100,000 lottery jackpot.

Barbara Branch of Mooresboro told North Carolina Education Lottery officials she stopped at Earl's Short Stop to buy some kerosene in advance of some expected nasty weather.

"I wanted to make sure I was ready in case the power went out," Branch said. "When I went to pay, something just said to buy a lottery ticket."

Branch selected the Big Money Playbook and scratched off a $100,000 prize.

"I kept asking myself, 'Is this for real?'" Branch said. "I had to have the clerk check it. When she told me to sign the back my hands were shaking. Most people just end up with bread and milk when they get ready for a storm, I can't believe I ended up with $100,000."

Branch said she plans to use the cash to make repairs to her home.