North Carolina Prepares for Major Winter Storm with State of Emergency
Anticipating a significant winter storm, North Carolina Governor Stein has declared a State of Emergency. A media briefing led by Governor Stein is scheduled for Thursday, January 22, at 11:15 a.m. to discuss ongoing preparations. The briefing will feature officials including 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 NC National Guard Major General Todd Hunt.
Governor Stein emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “A winter storm is approaching, and now is the time to prepare. Please get ready. Get everything you need in advance of the storm and have a plan in case your power goes out. I encourage all North Carolinians to stay home and off the roads this weekend unless absolutely necessary so first responders can do their jobs safely and effectively.”
In anticipation of the storm’s arrival on Saturday morning, the State Emergency Response Team has been activated to support communities with response efforts. Key preparation measures include:
- NCDOT teams and contractors are pre-treating roads, bridges, and overpasses with brine, restocking salt supplies, and readying equipment for the storm’s impact. This work will continue as the storm approaches, with crews prepared to work continuously through the weekend.
- The Governor has approved waivers for certain transportation regulations to aid emergency response efforts, ensuring coordinated support across the state.
NC Emergency Management Director Will Ray stated, “The State Emergency Response Team is working closely with local partners statewide – as well as with state agencies, the private sector, and nonprofit and volunteer agencies – to ensure that needed resources are provided to support impacted communities. Between now and Friday evening, North Carolinians need to finish preparations at home, and travel should be limited or paused, if possible, this weekend as conditions are expected to deteriorate across the state.”
NC Department of Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson added, “From the mountains to the coast, our crews are already out brining roads and bridges ahead of the winter storm. We’re asking everyone to do their part to prepare now and avoid travel once the storm hits so crews can safely clear the roads.”
Conditions on the roads are predicted to worsen early Saturday and may remain risky for several days due to ongoing subfreezing temperatures. While some uncertainty persists, there is growing confidence that the storm will significantly impact the state with mixed precipitation, potentially extending into the following week.
North Carolina Emergency Management officials advise residents to:
- Stay updated with local weather forecasts and prepare accordingly.
- Keep mobile devices charged and have spare batteries on hand.
- Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio or a weather alert app for emergency updates.
- Dress in multiple layers of thin clothing for warmth.
- Maintain an emergency kit in your vehicle, including items like a scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first-aid kit, and road map.
- Prepare supplies for pets, including food and a travel carrier.
- Avoid leaving pets outside for long periods during freezing weather.
- Check on friends, neighbors, and the elderly during adverse weather conditions.
Should the power go out, it is crucial to:
- Operate generators outdoors and away from open windows or doors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Avoid using charcoal or gas grills indoors.
- Ensure proper ventilation for kerosene heaters.
- Use battery-powered lighting instead of candles to prevent fire hazards.
For further information on winter weather preparedness, visit ReadyNC.gov. For real-time travel updates, visit DriveNC.gov, or follow NCDOT on social media.
Click here to read Governor Stein’s executive order.
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