North Carolina Governor Josh Stein Addresses Winter Storm Preparedness

Winter Storm Forecast and Impact

• ❄️ A significant winter storm is expected to impact the majority of North Carolina this weekend, with potential for snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
• ⚠️ The greatest concerns are potential power outages due to ice accumulation and road safety due to hazardous driving conditions, including black ice.
• 📈 Confidence in the forecast is increasing, with moderate to major impacts anticipated, especially in southwestern North Carolina.

State Emergency Response and Preparedness

• 🚨 Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency to prepare for the storm, activating the state emergency response team and coordinating with various agencies.
• 🛠️ Resources such as brine for roads, salt, dump trucks, and motor graders are being prepared and staged, with over 300,000 gallons of brine already applied.
• 📞 Residents are advised to stay informed, get prepared with a 3-5 day supply kit, make a plan for power outages, and stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.

Key Concerns and Mitigation Strategies

• 💡 Power outages are a major concern, with recommendations to keep devices charged, have flashlights, and battery-operated radios.
• 🚗 Road safety is critical, as thawing and refreezing can lead to black ice; drivers are urged to reduce speed and increase following distance.
• 🏠 Warming stations may be opened for those needing refuge from the cold, and information can be found on local government websites.

Agency Coordination and Resources

• 🤝 The state emergency response team includes the Department of Transportation, Public Safety, National Guard, Highway Patrol, and utilities, working together to coordinate assistance.
• 🚁 Aviation assets from the National Guard and State Highway Patrol are on standby for rescues and moving critical resources.
• 🌲 The North Carolina Forest Service is ready to assist with tree removal from roadways.

Communication and Infrastructure Resilience

• 📡 Lessons learned from past events like Hurricane Helene are being applied to ensure redundant communication systems for emergency responders and local governments.
• 📱 Communication assets include mobile radios, Starlink capabilities, and mobile towers to sustain communication pathways.
• 💧 Concerns about water resources and infrastructure are being monitored, with aerial assets ready to deploy resources to affected communities if needed.