As North Carolina braces for another major winter storm, Governor Josh Stein held a press briefing today, urging state residents to prepare for severe weather conditions poised to disrupt daily life over the weekend. According to information published by the state's official website, snowfall, strong winds, and frigid temperatures are anticipated to make travel perilous. "Snow accumulation, strong winds and dangerously cold temperatures will make travel unsafe, so I urge people to prepare now and stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary," Governor Stein stated on the North Carolina Office of the Governor.
Joined by officials from various departments, including NC Department of Public Safety Secretary Jeff Smythe and NC Department of Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson, Governor Stein addressed the media regarding the forthcoming conditions. With snowfall amounts of 3-8 inches forecasted across the state and the Coastal Plain expecting up to 12 inches or more, residents have been asked to finalize their emergency plans. Widespread impacts of the storm include reduced visibility due to gusty winds which could also cause isolated power outages, as well as dangerously low wind chills predicted to plummet to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit in the mountains overnight Saturday into Sunday.
In readiness for the expected snowstorm, the Governor declared a state of emergency, with the State Emergency Response Team activated to support the community. "All North Carolinians should be finalizing plans now and should be prepared to stay home and off the roadways starting tonight through early next week," NC Emergency Management Director Will Ray urged residents in a statement obtained by the North Carolina Office of the Governor. The Department of Transportation has transitioned from the previous storm's cleanup efforts to treating roads with over 2.6 million gallons of brine in anticipation of the new storm.
Additionally, the NC Department of Transportation and State Highway Patrol have implemented immediate towing measures to maintain road safety and expedite emergency response. "We fully expect road conditions to deteriorate very quickly once the storm arrives, and conditions could remain treacherous well into next week," warned State Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson. This action ensures abandoned or disabled vehicles will not hinder cleanup and emergency services during the storm. To combat the dropping temperatures and associated risks, officials recommend that residents dress warmly, stay informed about local forecasts, and prepare emergency kits both at home and for their vehicles, as per the North Carolina Office of the Governor.
North Carolina Emergency Management officials also advise citizens to safeguard their pets during the freeze and to look out for neighbors, particularly the elderly and vulnerable. For home safety during potential power outages, generators should be used outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, and battery-powered lighting is preferable to candles to reduce fire risks. Updates on winter weather safety, emergency alerts, and real-time travel information can be found on the ReadyNC.gov and DriveNC.gov websites, or by following NCDOT on social media platforms.
