North Carolina Governor Josh Stein Addresses Major Winter Storm Impacts

Winter Storm Overview

• ❄️ A major winter storm is impacting North Carolina, bringing snow, sleet, and freezing rain, expected to linger into early Monday morning.
• ⚠️ Winter storm warnings, ice storm warnings, and winter weather advisories remain in effect across most of the state.

Power Outages and Utilities

• 💡 Approximately 8,000-9,000 power outages are currently reported, with numbers expected to fluctuate.
• ⚡ Utility partners like Duke Energy, Electricities, and electric co-ops are working to restore power and keep homes heated.
• 🔌 Residents losing power are advised to contact their utility company immediately.

Road Conditions and Transportation

• 🧊 Ice and wintry debris are making roads dangerous, with temperatures expected to remain below freezing, turning precipitation into hard ice.
• 🚗 The state has seen over 400 car crashes and removed 339 abandoned cars from roadways.
• 🛣️ While interstates have been reopened, secondary roads may take days to become passable due to the widespread impact and lingering cold.
• 🚫 The public is strongly urged to stay off the roads to allow emergency crews to work safely.

State and Federal Response

• 🚨 The state emergency response team is fully operational, with North Carolina Department of Transportation crews plowing and applying sand/salt.
• 🤝 The National Guard has deployed over 100 force packages to assist local governments.
• 🇺🇸 An emergency declaration was granted by the White House, allowing for direct federal assistance.
• 🏘️ Local governments have opened 50 warming stations and 45 shelters across the state.

Personal Preparedness and Safety

• 🔦 Residents without power should locate flashlights and keep devices fully charged.
• 🏠 Close doors and windows to retain warmth, wear layers, and use multiple blankets for sleeping.
• ⚠️ Be aware of physical conditions to prevent frostbite and hypothermia; call 911 for symptoms like loss of feeling, color, uncontrolled shivering, or disorientation.
• 🤝 Check on vulnerable neighbors and community members during the storm.