As a winter storm aims for central North Carolina, the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is urging residents to make immediate preparations. The NCDOT, as reported on Monday, recommends stocking up on essentials such as food, water, and emergency supplies well in advance of the expected midweek weather event. "Now is the time to get ready by getting any food, water or emergency supplies you may need," NCDOT Secretary Joey Hopkins emphasized in a recent announcement.
The latest update from the National Weather Service suggests, an increasing chance of a disruptive storm starting tomorrow with possible extended effects. Forecasts show that the northern central parts of the state will more likely experience snow while areas south of U.S. 64 may face a wintery mix, including snow, ice, and freezing rain. However,, forecasters are still grappling with uncertainties about the storm's trajectory and potential impact across the region.
Ready for action, NCDOT maintenance crews across North Carolina launched their preemptive assault on the coming freeze early Monday. Crews began spreading brine, a saltwater mixture, on key state-managed thoroughfares to inhibit ice from securing a foothold on the pavement. The NCDOT has a fleet of trucks equipped with plows and spreaders on standby, including roughly 2,500 employees and contractors trained for winter weather response.
In preparation for the winter season, NCDOT teams start as early as fall, ensuring equipment is maintained, snow removal routes are clear, and supplies like, salt and sand are well-stocked. Aside from roadways, NCDOT’s NC By Train passenger rail services, ferry systems, and the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles also have systems in place for weather monitoring and will modify schedules as necessary due to the storm's unfolding impacts.
