North Carolina Governor Josh Stein Briefs on Major Winter Storm Preparedness

Winter Storm Impacts and Timeline

• ❄️ A significant winter storm is impacting North Carolina, with precipitation beginning in the west and moving east, expected to last until next week.
• ⚠️ Expect sleet, ice, and freezing rain, with temperatures falling below freezing nightly, leading to persistent black ice risks, especially on bridges and overpasses.
• 🧊 Ice accumulation is a major concern, potentially causing trees to fall on power lines and leading to widespread power outages.

State and Federal Response Efforts

• 🚨 Governor Stein has secured an emergency declaration from President Trump, enabling access to federal assets for generators, sheltering, food, water, and fuel.
• 📦 Over 100 pallets of meals and water, plus 700 cots and blankets, have been distributed across the state.
• 🚓 The State Highway Patrol and NC DOT are prepared to clear roads and respond to emergencies around the clock, with NC DOT crews working tirelessly.
• 🏘️ 21 counties are opening warming stations, and 7 counties are opening shelters, with more expected.

Public Safety and Preparedness Recommendations

• 🏠 Residents are urged to stay put and avoid unnecessary travel to ensure their safety and the safety of emergency crews.
• 💡 Double-check household plans for power outages, including safe heating, food, and communication methods.
• 🤝 Check on vulnerable loved ones, neighbors, and community members, embodying the "North Carolina way" of helping others.
• 🌐 Stay informed by following local media, the National Weather Service, and local emergency management agencies.

Infrastructure and Communication Concerns

• 📉 Concerns exist about the storm's impact on infrastructure, including roads, phone service, water, and wastewater systems.
• 📞 Pre-deployment of communication equipment aims to assist with potential degradation of 911 systems, radio, and phone/data services.
• ⚠️ If 911 is inaccessible, residents should not hang up if another community's center answers; provide detailed information for assistance.

Travel Advisory and Road Conditions

• 🚗 NC DOT crews are strategically placed to clear roads, cut branches, and assist with power line issues, with over 2,000 employees working around the clock.
• 🚫 Travel is strongly discouraged due to high crash risks and the danger of being stranded in cold conditions.
• 💻 Drivenc.gov is the official resource for the latest road conditions and storm-related information, with updates varying by local conditions.