North Carolina Grapples with Aftermath of Weekend Snowstorm
The recent snowstorm has left a significant impact on North Carolina, with state officials urging caution and prioritizing safety measures as the cleanup continues. Governor Josh Stein has provided updates on the response efforts.
Governor Josh Stein emphasized, “While the storm has passed, the snow remains and our roads will remain dicey in the days ahead. Please continue to avoid unnecessary travel and use caution if you must drive. I’m thankful for all the NCDOT employees and contractors working across North Carolina to clear the roads and keep people safe.”
In eastern parts of the state, snow is moving offshore, but gusty winds are expected to persist throughout Sunday. These winds could reach up to 30 mph across much of the state, with higher gusts possible along the coast and in the mountains. Temperatures will struggle to rise above the 20s and 30s, with wind chills making it feel much colder.
Coastal areas face additional challenges with the potential for moderate to significant flooding due to strong winds and tidal conditions. Flooding could result in up to 2-4 feet of inundation above ground level, affecting soundside and oceanside areas, along with tidal rivers and creeks. Portions of North Carolina Highway 12, especially around Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, may become impassable during high tides.
NC Emergency Management Chief of Staff Don Campbell urged residents, “Please continue to stay off the roadways today to let first responders, the NCDOT, the State Highway Patrol, and the North Carolina National Guard safely operate. If you must travel, make sure you have a disaster supply kit in your vehicle, which includes blankets, extra clothing, food, water, a flashlight, an ice scraper, and a way to charge your cell phone. And slow down.”
Travel remains hazardous across many regions due to significant snow accumulation. The bitter cold is expected to prolong these conditions, making travel treacherous for several days. State Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson noted the dangers, saying, “Yesterday, there were a lot of people across North Carolina who were driving in very dangerous conditions, which led to a significant number of crashes and cars stuck on the roads. If you do have to drive, slow down and give our teams and other first responders lots of distance.”
NCDOT crews have been active since Saturday, deploying across North Carolina as the storm spread snow across the Piedmont, mountains, and coastal areas. By Sunday morning, over 15,000 tons of salt had been spread, and plows were in operation on interstates, highways, and other major roads. More than 2,500 workers and contractors have been involved, utilizing trucks with spreaders and plows, and motor graders for tougher conditions.
The NCDOT’s snow-clearing strategy focuses on major roads first, including interstates and highways, before attending to other important routes. Due to the ongoing cold, this process is expected to take several days.
For updates on road conditions and closures, residents are encouraged to visit DriveNC.gov. For real-time travel information, follow the updates provided on DriveNC.gov, or stay connected through social media updates from NCDOT.
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