North Wake News

Today, Governor Josh Stein addressed North Carolina residents in anticipation of the upcoming winter weather conditions. He advised the public to prepare for snow, ice, and strong winds and to adhere to safety instructions from local authorities.

"As North Carolinians brace for another winter storm this week, we encourage all North Carolinians to listen to their local weather forecast and have a plan to stay safe," said Governor Stein. "We are monitoring the situation closely and have activated the State Emergency Response Team. I am mobilizing the Department of Transportation, the North Carolina National Guard, and the State Highway Patrol. Our utilities and local officials are also preparing. Our most important goal is to keep North Carolinians safe this week."

Will Ray, Director of Emergency Management, highlighted that much of the state would experience winter weather impacting roadways and possibly causing power outages due to ice accumulation. "The State Emergency Response Team remains in close coordination with our local communities, state agencies, and utility partners to quickly address any needs. Please limit your travel and stay off the roads to allow NCDOT and first responders to work safely."

The State Emergency Response Team has been activated since this morning, maintaining communication with local emergency management officials through the State Emergency Operations Center and Regional Coordination Centers.

The North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) is on standby as well. NCNG leadership has informed its personnel about potential inclement weather in the coming days.

N.C. Department of Transportation officials are taking measures for potentially hazardous travel conditions. Maintenance crews across highway divisions have begun applying brine on interstates and will extend this treatment to other primary routes before addressing secondary roads on Monday and Tuesday.

Forecasts indicate a high probability that a winter storm will affect much of North Carolina from Wednesday into Thursday. The path and strength of a low-pressure system will determine precipitation types and amounts, with snow expected mainly in mountainous regions and northern parts of central and eastern areas. Ice accumulations could lead to tree limb breakage and power outages.

Residents are urged to remain alert as forecasts may evolve closer to Wednesday.

For more information on winter weather safety, visit ReadyNC.gov. For real-time travel updates, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.

Emergency management officials advise residents to:

- Monitor local forecasts.

- Stock up on water and non-perishable food.

- Keep mobile devices charged.

- Stay home if possible.

- Dress warmly outdoors.

- Prepare an emergency vehicle kit.

- Gather supplies for pets.

- Avoid leaving pets outside during freezing temperatures.

- Check on friends or neighbors who may need assistance.

In case of power outages:

- Operate generators outdoors only.

- Avoid using charcoal or gas grills indoors.

- Vent kerosene heaters properly.

- Use battery-powered lights instead of candles.