Governor Josh Stein held a briefing today to update residents on the ongoing winter storm affecting North Carolina. He was joined by key officials including Jeff Smythe, Secretary of the NC Department of Public Safety; Daniel Johnson, Secretary of the NC Department of Transportation; Dev Sangvai from the NC Department of Health and Human Services; Will Ray, Director of NC Emergency Management; Colonel Freddy Johnson of the NC State Highway Patrol; and Major General Todd Hunt of the North Carolina National Guard.
“As winter weather reaches you in North Carolina today, please stay home and off the roads unless absolutely necessary,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Be prepared for potential power outages, and make sure you have a plan to stay warm and in contact with loved ones. I’m grateful to North Carolina’s first responders and emergency management officials who are already doing all they can to keep us safe through the storm.”
Governor Stein requested an Emergency Declaration from President Trump last night to help access federal resources for vulnerable residents. The request was approved this morning. Officials expect significant and widespread power outages across North Carolina as a result of the storm. Approximately 99,000 Medicare recipients in the state rely on electricity for life-sustaining equipment, according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services emPOWER data. With road conditions likely to be hazardous and emergency communications potentially impaired, there is concern about increased exposure to cold temperatures, more traffic incidents, and delays in emergency medical services.
The Emergency Declaration allows North Carolina to receive federal support such as additional generators for critical facilities like hospitals, assistance with sheltering operations, supplies like food, water, fuel, and help from the Forest Service for removing downed trees.
Winter Storm Warnings, Ice Storm Warnings, and Winter Weather Advisories are now in effect statewide until Monday. Snow and ice are expected to begin in western areas by late morning or midday today before spreading eastward into early Monday. Due to extreme cold temperatures, accumulations may persist into next week with black ice possible overnight.
“We will continue to work with the entire State Emergency Response Team – local and state governments, the private sector, and our nonprofit and volunteer partners – as the forecast continues to evolve to ensure we can support our 11 million North Carolinians,” said Director of Emergency Management Will Ray. “We are going to see significant winter storm impacts, and we are stronger and more resilient together.”
Governor Stein declared a State of Emergency earlier this week as preparations began for the storm’s impact. The State Emergency Response Team was activated ahead of Saturday’s arrival to assist communities.
As part of preparation efforts, transportation crews treated roads with over 3.6 million gallons of brine as of Saturday morning. Crews have also readied chainsaws, trucks with spreaders and plows for clearing ice and snow from roads during this first major winter storm of the year. The NC Department of Transportation will work continuously until all state-maintained roads are cleared.
“As we’ve said all week, this icy mix has the potential to create dangerous travel conditions all across North Carolina,” State Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson said during Saturday’s press briefing with Governor Stein. “Until conditions improve dramatically, I urge everyone to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.”
North Carolina Emergency Management officials recommend that residents monitor forecasts closely; keep mobile devices charged; use NOAA weather radios or alert apps; dress warmly in layers; store emergency kits in vehicles; gather pet supplies; check on friends, neighbors and elderly people; operate generators outside only; avoid burning charcoal or using gas grills indoors; properly vent kerosene heaters; use battery-powered lights instead of candles during outages.
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