North Wake News

Today, Governor Josh Stein declared a State of Emergency under Executive Order EO 9 as emergency management officials prepare for the impact of winter weather across much of North Carolina. During a press conference this morning, Governor Stein, NC Emergency Management Division Director Will Ray, and NC Department of Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins provided an update on the winter weather expected to affect much of the state from Wednesday into Thursday. The governor advised all North Carolinians to take precautions such as listening to local authorities and planning for low temperatures, ice, and snow.

"This morning, I have issued a State of Emergency declaration for all of North Carolina; we have also activated a storm response effort composed of several government agencies," said Governor Josh Stein. "Much of North Carolina will be affected by this storm; our greatest concern is the potential for power outages and road safety. We urge all motorists that once the storm hits on Wednesday, they stay off roads and highways, keep their electronic devices charged, and follow local weather reports."

The State Emergency Response Team (SERT) has been activated and is now working with the Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the NC National Guard (NCNG), the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), and local emergency control agencies to quickly provide resources statewide," stated Will Ray, Director of the NC Emergency Management Division. "We ask all North Carolinians to continue monitoring the weather tomorrow and stay off roads if possible."

A winter storm will affect much of North Carolina from Wednesday into Thursday. The forecast indicates snow accumulations between 2 to 6 inches in parts north-central and eastern regions; locally up to 9 inches in northeastern areas. In northern mountainous regions and higher elevations in western areas, 2 to 4 inches are expected. Lighter accumulations between 1 to 3 inches are anticipated elsewhere except in southeastern areas where rain or light freezing rain is expected.

Significant ice accumulation levels are possible in central-eastern regions with over a quarter-inch potentially causing tree branches to break leading to power outages. It's crucial for residents to stay informed about weather updates as forecasts refine closer to Wednesday.

The State Emergency Response Team has been activated; both the State Emergency Operations Center and Regional Coordination Centers remain in close communication with local emergency control authorities ensuring readiness for quick resource deployment aiding communities across North Carolina.

The NC National Guard has activated over 180 guardsmen providing assistance statewide while more than 1,500 NCDOT employees apply anti-icing treatments preventing road freezing throughout state highways. As of Tuesday morning NCDOT spread approximately 1.8 million gallons de-icing brine across hundreds miles including interstates secondary roads preparing nearly 600 plows spreaders plus additional graders ready clearing snow ice after storms hit backed by stockpiled tons salt treating post-storm conditions.

Post-storm crews prepared work day-night shifts clearing state-maintained roads prioritizing interstates followed by U.S., N.C., then secondary routes ensuring clear passage.

For power outage data preparation tips during winter weather visit ReadyNC.gov; real-time traffic info available at DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT social media accounts.

NCEM Division offers these recommendations preparing better face winter conditions:

Pay attention local forecasts prepare events affecting area listen NOAA radio station use mobile apps receiving alerts stock pantry water non-perishable foods keep phones mobile devices backup batteries charged stay home avoid roads if possible equip car emergency items scraper jumper cables tow chain sand/salt blanket flashlight first aid kit route map wear warm clothes outside layer multiple light garments instead single heavy garment prepare pet supplies including leashes food carrier avoid leaving pets outside long periods cold conditions check friends neighbors especially elderly during winter

If power goes out:

Ensure generators operated outdoors away windows doors prevent carbon monoxide poisoning avoid burning charcoal indoors using gas grills indoors properly ventilate kerosene heaters use battery-powered lighting sources reduce fire risk ensure adequate ventilation when using portable heater maintain at least three feet distance around never leave children unattended near heater

Consult Executive Order No. 9 online for details.