With a recent snowstorm grappling the state, Governor Josh Stein stepped up to inform the public on ongoing efforts and safety cautions for travelers. In a statement obtained by the Governor's Office, Stein emphasized the continuous work to clear the roads, while highlighting the persistent low temperatures that make such efforts a challenging endeavor. "We are working around the clock to clear roads and get people back to their daily lives as quickly and safely as possible, but because temperatures will remain low overnight, this process takes time," he said.
Heads up, North Carolinians—the sun might be on the skyline, but don’t get too comfortable, sunshine and above-freezing temperatures that will allow for some melting during the day will trick you, because once the sun takes a bow, those slick roads are set to make a treacherous comeback as everything turns back to ice after sunset. NC Emergency Management Director Will Ray chimed in with a reminder: "Please continue to remain vigilant as we are still experiencing extremely cold temperatures across the state," urging the community to look out for each other amidst freezing conditions that could bring more problems like frozen pipes, as per the Governor's Office.
Efforts to make the roads safer haven't slowed down, with the State Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson adding his voice to the conversation. State crews have been focused on clearing interstates and are now tackling other major roads, yet Johnson warns, "the hardest-hit areas will continue to see impacts to the roads in the days to come," according to his statement to the Governor's Office. "Please be patient and give our crews space to work," he implores, advising drivers to avoid snow and ice-covered roads whenever possible.
About 2,500 NCDOT employees and contractors aren't just sitting with their hands clasped they've been out there, braving the cold to spread more than 23,000 tons of salt and tackle thousands of miles of roads to ensure safety for travelers across their spans. While road salt and de-icing supplies are tight nationwide, North Carolina is reportedly in good shape to continue its work post-storm, with proactive measures in place to restock for future icy bouts, as reported by the Governor's Office. Residents looking to hit the roads or check on conditions can keep an eye on DriveNC.gov for the latest info.
