Governor Josh Stein has issued a warning to North Carolina residents about hazardous road conditions and dangerously cold temperatures following a recent snowstorm. He advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel as crews continue efforts to clear roads across the state.
“While the storm has passed, the snow remains and our roads will remain dicey in the days ahead,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Please continue to avoid unnecessary travel and use caution if you must drive. I’m thankful for all the NCDOT employees and contractors working across North Carolina to clear the roads and keep people safe.”
Snowfall is expected to end by mid-morning as it moves offshore, but gusty winds are forecast throughout Sunday, with speeds reaching up to 30 mph statewide, 55-60 mph along the coast, and 40-55 mph in mountain areas. Daytime high temperatures will be limited to the 20s and low 30s, with wind chills dropping into single digits or below zero overnight.
Coastal regions face moderate flooding risks due to strong winds and high tides. Some areas could see water levels rise between two and four feet above ground level, particularly on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands where portions of North Carolina Highway 12 may become impassable during high tide.
NC Emergency Management Chief of Staff Don Campbell urged residents: “Please continue to stay off the roadways today to let first responders, the NCDOT, the State Highway Patrol, and the North Carolina National Guard safely operate. If you must travel, make sure you have a disaster supply kit in your vehicle, which includes blankets, extra clothing, food, water, a flashlight, an ice scraper, and a way to charge your cell phone. And slow down.”
State Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson reported numerous crashes from hazardous driving conditions: “Yesterday, there were a lot of people across North Carolina who were driving in very dangerous conditions, which led to a significant number of crashes and cars stuck on the roads. If you do have to drive, slow down and give our teams and other first responders lots of distance.”
NCDOT crews began operations Saturday as heavy snowfall affected much of North Carolina’s Piedmont region as well as mountain and coastal areas before moving toward central parts of the state later that day. By Sunday morning more than 15,000 tons of salt had been spread on interstates and highways while plowing continued on major routes maintained by the state. Over 2,500 NCDOT employees and contractors have been working through these conditions using trucks equipped with spreaders or plows along with motor graders for stubborn ice.
Clearing efforts are prioritizing interstates followed by other key connecting routes; officials expect operations will take several days due to ongoing cold weather.
Residents can find updates on road closures at DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT social media channels for real-time information.
The Office of the Governor of North Carolina serves as chief executive for state government functions such as enforcing laws—dating back to its establishment in 1776—and leads responses like this one by directing agencies including emergency management services (official website). The governor also chairs the Council of State while serving all residents statewide.