Governor Stein and Emergency Management Officials Provide Updates on Winter Storm

Today Governor Stein held his latest briefing to provide updates and guidance as a winter storm approaches North Carolina. The Governor was joined by NC Department of Public Safety Secretary Jeff Smythe, NC Department of Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson, NC Emergency Management Director Will Ray, NC State Highway Patrol Colonel Freddy Johnson, and Major General Todd Hunt of the North Carolina National Guard.

"Starting Saturday, please stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary," said Governor Josh Stein. "Prepare everything you need to stay warm, fed, and safe in your homes for at least a few days. We are taking this storm seriously, and so should you. Let's work together to keep ourselves and each other safe."

Winter Storm Warnings and Ice Warnings are now in effect through midday Monday for the mountains and Piedmont. A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect farther east, and as accumulation types and amounts become clearer, the watch will transition to warnings or advisories. Significant wintry precipitation is forecast over the weekend, with major impacts lingering into early next week, including dangerously cold temperatures. Ice accumulation of a quarter inch or more is likely across much of the state Saturday into Monday morning. Hazardous travel conditions are expected to begin by midday Saturday and to worsen through Sunday. Conditions may remain hazardous for several days due to the lingering low temperatures.

"We need all North Carolinians to remain focused on preparing for the potential impacts with a plan and supplies to support you and your family for the next several days," said Director of Emergency Management Will Ray. "Unnecessary travel puts not only you at risk but also the public safety personnel, power crews, and DOT workers who are working to respond to emergencies, to restore power, and to clear roadways."

On Wednesday, Governor Stein declared a State of Emergency as North Carolina prepared for the impacts of the winter storm. Read the Governor's executive order here. The State Emergency Response Team has been activated ahead of the storm's arrival on Saturday to assist affected communities with response needs.

N.C. Department of Transportation crews are wrapping up final pre-storm preparations. The agency and its contract crews have applied about 2.8 million gallons of brine to roads on the state system. Most of the agency's 2,100 employees trained to respond to storms have contributed to the storm preparations. Crews will soon be shifting their focus to be ready to clear roads as the storm moves in. The agency has more than 1,250 dump trucks that can be equipped with plows and spreaders. An additional 913 contract trucks are available for clearing roads. State transportation crews are ready to work around the clock until state-maintained roads are cleared.

"Safety is our top priority at NCDOT," said State Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson. "With the likelihood for icy weather creating treacherous travel conditions in the days ahead, we urge people to please stay put if you don't need to be out on the roads."

To prepare for winter weather, North Carolina Emergency Management officials recommend these tips:

• Pay close attention to your local forecast and be prepared for what's expected in your area.
• Keep cell phones, mobile devices, and spare batteries charged.
• Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio or a weather alert app on your phone to receive emergency weather alerts.
• Dress warmly. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.
• Store an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first-aid kit, and road map.
• Gather emergency supplies for your pet, including leash and care supplies, enough food for several days, and a pet travel carrier.
• Do not leave pets outside for long periods of time during freezing weather.
• Look out for your friends, neighbors, and the elderly during winter weather.

If your power goes out:

• Ensure generators are operated outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Never burn charcoal indoors or use a gas grill indoors.
• Properly vent kerosene heaters.
• Use battery-powered sources for light, instead of candles, to reduce the risk of fire.

Visit ReadyNC.gov for more information on winter weather safety and preparation. For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov, or follow NCDOT on social media.

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