North Carolina braces for a significant winter storm as snow begins to blanket the state. Authorities urge residents to stay indoors and off the roads, highlighting the importance of safety during this severe weather event.
Governor’s Update and Preparedness Measures
“Today is bringing snowfall across our state,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Our transportation, public safety, and emergency management teams are positioned and working to keep people safe, and I’m grateful for their continued efforts. Stay home and off the roads, grab a sled, and enjoy the winter fun.”
Governor Stein had previously declared a State of Emergency to ensure federal assistance can be accessed if required. The State Emergency Response Team is on high alert, ready to support communities in need.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
Snowfall is anticipated to range between 3-8 inches statewide from Saturday through Sunday, with some areas potentially experiencing up to 12 inches or more. The storm is expected to clear by midday Sunday as indicated by the forecast. A Winter Storm Warning remains active across North Carolina until Sunday.
Residents should prepare for intense cold and high winds. Wind chills on Saturday could plummet to single digits or even below zero overnight. Wind speeds might reach 25-45 mph in central areas, with potential gusts of 55-70 mph along the coast, which could cause significant coastal flooding and blizzard-like conditions.
Emergency Management and Public Safety
“We will continue to see winter storm impacts in many communities across the state today and through tonight, so all North Carolinians need to remain weather aware and stay off the roads, if possible,” said NC Emergency Management Chief of Staff Don Campbell. For local resources and updates, residents are encouraged to visit ReadyNC.Gov/WinterStorm2026.
Transportation and Road Safety
The N.C. Department of Transportation has deployed over 2,500 staff and contractors statewide. They began applying brine to the roads before the storm and are now focusing on salting and plowing as conditions evolve. The primary goal is to keep interstates and highways clear before moving to other roads.
More than 5,500 tons of salt had been used on the roads by 10 a.m. Saturday. “Crews are actively clearing roads in the western part of the state, while others are on standby in the east, awaiting further accumulation,” said State Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson. He advised against travel during these conditions.
Safety Tips and Resources
As the cold intensifies, North Carolina Emergency Management advises residents to dress warmly in layers, keep devices charged, and prepare an emergency kit for vehicles. Stay informed through NOAA weather radios or mobile apps.
For more safety tips and real-time updates, visit NCDOT social media or DriveNC.gov for travel conditions.
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