Governor Josh Stein held a briefing to update the public as a winter storm continues to affect North Carolina. He was joined by officials from several state agencies, including the Department of Public Safety, Department of Transportation, Department of Health and Human Services, Emergency Management, State Highway Patrol, and the North Carolina National Guard.
“North Carolina: we are not out of the woods yet. Freezing rain today and bitter cold in the coming days will continue to bring dangerous road conditions and power outages,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Be sure to have a plan for if your power goes out, and please stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Our state team is working together with our private, federal, and local partners to provide emergency support and keep you safe.”
President Trump approved Governor Stein’s request for an Emergency Declaration on Thursday. This approval allows North Carolina to access federal resources such as generators for critical facilities like hospitals, support for sheltering operations, emergency food, water and fuel supplies, and assistance from the US Forest Service in removing downed trees.
Snow, sleet, and freezing rain have been reported across much of North Carolina since Saturday night. Ice Storm Warnings remain in effect for parts of the southern mountains and southwest Piedmont until midday Monday. Winter Storm Warnings cover northern mountains and central regions through midday Monday; northern Coastal Plain warnings last until Monday evening. A Winter Weather Advisory remains active across eastern areas into midday Monday.
The main threat Sunday is ice accumulation: 0.25”–0.5” is possible in some mountain areas, Foothills, and much of the Piedmont; up to 0.25” is possible elsewhere in central regions. Cold temperatures are expected throughout next week with lows dropping into single digits Monday night.
“It is important that all North Carolinians in communities impacted by wintry precipitation stay home and off the roadways today and into tomorrow,” said Director of Emergency Management Will Ray. “We will see additional freezing rain and impacts, like power outages, so please do not let your guard down.”
Governor Stein declared a State of Emergency on Wednesday before the storm arrived. The State Emergency Response Team was activated ahead of time to help affected communities.
NCDOT crews have been spreading salt and sand on roads since Saturday when the storm began impacting travel statewide. Beforehand they pre-treated roads with nearly 4 million gallons of brine. Crews will continue treating trouble spots while plowing snow or ice until all state-maintained roads are clear; interstates are prioritized first before primary or secondary routes are addressed.
Chainsaw crews are also working with utilities to remove downed trees from roadways—including those involving power lines—across North Carolina.
Officials warn that this rare statewide event will bring snow, sleet, or freezing rain through Sunday evening with icy temperatures lasting several days making travel hazardous.
“We’re thankful to people across the state for exercising caution and staying off the roads. We’re not out of the woods yet, and conditions will continue to deteriorate throughout the day,” said State Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson. “It’s more difficult to clear ice than it is snow, and road conditions are going to remain dangerous in the days ahead. We encourage everyone to continue avoiding travel so crews can work to clear roads as weather allows.”
Residents can check DriveNC.gov for updates on road closures or conditions as weather improves.
Emergency management officials recommend monitoring forecasts closely; keeping cell phones charged; using NOAA radios or weather alert apps; dressing warmly in layers; storing vehicle emergency kits; gathering pet supplies; protecting pets from cold exposure; checking on neighbors—especially elderly individuals—and following safety guidance during outages (such as operating generators outside).
More information about winter weather safety can be found at ReadyNC.gov or by following NCDOT online.
The Office of the Governor of North Carolina dates back to 1776 as its oldest public office according to its official website. The governor serves as chief executive officer enforcing laws statewide while leading both budget direction efforts and serving all residents. The office also appoints executive officials and leads the National Guard.