Governor Josh Stein has declared a State of Emergency as North Carolina prepares for a major winter storm expected to arrive on Saturday morning. The announcement was made ahead of an upcoming media briefing scheduled for Thursday, January 22, at 11:15 a.m., where Governor Stein will provide updates alongside state officials including NC Department of Public Safety Secretary Jeff Smythe, NC Department of Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson, NC Emergency Management Director Will Ray, NC State Highway Patrol Colonel Freddy Johnson, and NC National Guard Major General Todd Hunt.
“A winter storm is approaching, and now is the time to prepare,” said Governor Stein. “Please get ready. Get everything you need in advance of the storm and have a plan in case your power goes out. I encourage all North Carolinians to stay home and off the roads this weekend unless absolutely necessary so first responders can do their jobs safely and effectively.”
The State Emergency Response Team has been activated to assist communities affected by the impending storm. In preparation, NCDOT crews and contractors have pre-treated roads, bridges, and overpasses with brine, restocked salt supplies, and readied equipment for response efforts. These preparations are ongoing as the state monitors the forecasted arrival of the storm.
With approval from the Council of State, Governor Stein directed a waiver of certain transportation regulations for vehicles supporting emergency response across North Carolina to improve coordination during response operations.
“The State Emergency Response Team is working closely with local partners statewide – as well as with state agencies, the private sector, and nonprofit and volunteer agencies – to ensure that needed resources are provided to support impacted communities,” said NC Emergency Management Director Will Ray. “Between now and Friday evening, North Carolinians need to finish preparations at home, and travel should be limited or paused, if possible, this weekend as conditions are expected to deteriorate across the state.”
“From the mountains to the coast, our crews are already out brining roads and bridges ahead of the winter storm,” said NC Department of Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson. “We’re asking everyone to do their part to prepare now and avoid travel once the storm hits so crews can safely clear the roads.”
Hazardous roadway conditions are anticipated early Saturday due to subfreezing temperatures expected throughout next week. The winter storm may bring mixed precipitation across much of North Carolina with lingering impacts such as cold wind chills and ice accumulation into next week.
State emergency management officials advise residents to monitor weather forecasts closely; keep cell phones charged; use NOAA weather radios or alert apps; dress in layers; store emergency kits in vehicles; gather pet supplies; avoid leaving pets outside during freezing weather; check on friends, neighbors, and elderly individuals.
In case of power outages: generators should only be operated outdoors away from windows or doors; charcoal or gas grills must not be used indoors; kerosene heaters should be properly vented; battery-powered lights are recommended instead of candles.
Additional information on winter safety can be found at ReadyNC.gov. For real-time travel updates visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
Governor Stein serves as chief executive officer for North Carolina’s government—the oldest public office in the state dating back to 1776—overseeing law enforcement functions such as directing budgets and chairing the Council of State (official website). The Office also leads appointments within state governance structures while commanding authority over organizations like the National Guard (official website).
Click here to read Governor Stein’s executive order.