Governor Josh Stein provided an update today as North Carolina prepares for a significant winter storm expected to impact the state over the weekend. Joining him at the briefing were 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 Major General Todd Hunt of the North Carolina National Guard.
“Starting Saturday, please stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Prepare everything you need to stay warm, fed, and safe in your homes for at least a few days. We are taking this storm seriously, and so should you. Let’s work together to keep ourselves and each other safe.”
The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Warnings and Ice Warnings through midday Monday for areas including the mountains and Piedmont regions. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect farther east. Officials warn that significant wintry precipitation will likely lead to hazardous travel conditions beginning midday Saturday and worsening into Sunday, with ice accumulations of a quarter inch or more possible across much of the state.
“We need all North Carolinians to remain focused on preparing for the potential impacts with a plan and supplies to support you and your family for the next several days,” said Director of Emergency Management Will Ray. “Unnecessary travel puts not only you at risk but also the public safety personnel, power crews, and DOT workers who are working to respond to emergencies, to restore power, and to clear roadways.”
Earlier this week, Governor Stein declared a State of Emergency as part of preparations for the approaching storm. The State Emergency Response Team has been activated ahead of its arrival on Saturday.
State transportation officials have completed pre-storm preparations by applying about 2.8 million gallons of brine to roads throughout North Carolina’s system. Over 2,100 NCDOT employees have contributed to these efforts. Crews will now focus on clearing roads as conditions deteriorate; more than 1,250 dump trucks equipped with plows and spreaders along with an additional 913 contract trucks are available for response operations.
“Safety is our top priority at NCDOT,” said State Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson. “With the likelihood for icy weather creating treacherous travel conditions in the days ahead, we urge people to please stay put if you don’t need to be out on the roads.”
NCDOT teams have pre-treated thousands of miles of state-maintained roads using more than 800,000 gallons of brine while restocking salt supplies in preparation for snow and ice removal around-the-clock until conditions improve. Chainsaw crews will also be deployed as needed to clear downed trees or debris from roadways.
With approval from the Council of State, Governor Stein has waived certain transportation regulations for vehicles involved in emergency response efforts across North Carolina.
“Winter storm watches have been issued for most of the state with impacts from this storm expected to last into early next week,” said Director of Emergency Management Will Ray. “We will continue to work with the entire State Emergency Response Team – local and state governments, the private sector, and our non-profit and volunteer partners – as the forecast continues to evolve to ensure we can support our 11 million North Carolinians.”
“We urge people to get prepared now for what’s shaping up to be a very cold period for our state,” added Secretary Johnson. “Please don’t try to drive once the storm hits unless it’s necessary. Please protect yourselves, your families and everyone responding to this storm by being patient and playing it safe.”
Emergency management officials recommend residents monitor local forecasts closely; keep mobile devices charged; use NOAA weather radios or apps; dress warmly in layers; stock emergency kits including vehicle supplies; gather pet care items; avoid leaving pets outdoors during freezing temperatures; check on neighbors—especially elderly individuals—and take precautions during power outages such as running generators outside away from windows or doors.
Additional guidance includes avoiding indoor use of charcoal grills or gas appliances due to carbon monoxide risks; properly venting kerosene heaters; relying on battery-powered lights instead of candles during outages.
