North Carolina Governor Josh Stein Briefs on Severe Winter Storm Impact and Safety

Winter Storm Impact Across North Carolina

• ❄️ North Carolina experienced a significant snowstorm, with snowfall totals reaching up to 16 inches in some areas, affecting all 100 counties.
• ⚠️ Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing for days, making roads hazardous and potentially leading to black ice throughout the week.
• 🌊 The Outer Banks saw road conditions deteriorate due to ocean overwash on NC12, necessitating its closure.

Public Safety and Road Travel Advisories

• 🚗 The primary message is to stay off the roads to allow road crews and law enforcement to perform essential tasks.
• 🚨 Over 1,000 collisions, including two fatalities, were reported over the weekend, highlighting the dangers of driving in these conditions.
• ⚠️ Drivers are advised to keep speeds slow, maintain significant distance, travel with a full tank of gas, a charged phone, and a blanket if travel is unavoidable.
• 🚫 Do not drive through flood waters and be aware of potential flooding, especially in coastal areas.

Cold Weather and Utility Concerns

• 🥶 Wind chill temperatures in western North Carolina could reach well into the negatives, increasing strain on the electrical grid.
• 💡 Residents are encouraged to be mindful of energy use, turning off unused lights and avoiding major appliances to conserve power.
• ⚠️ In case of power loss, wear layers, use blankets, and know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia; call 911 if symptoms appear.

Emergency Response and Resources

• 🛠️ The State Emergency Response Team is activated, with numerous local states of emergency declared and emergency operations centers active.
• ⚡ Approximately 10,500 power outages were reported statewide, with energy partners working to address disruptions.
• 🆘 Downed power lines should be treated as energized and avoided; 911 should only be used for emergencies, with 211 available for general information.
• 🧊 Ice on ponds, lakes, and creeks is not safe to stand on and poses a deadly risk.
• 🏠 Communities have opened shelters and warming centers for those who cannot stay at home; resources can be found on local government websites or readyn.gov/winterweather.

Department of Transportation Efforts

• 🚧 NC DOT crews are working overtime with sufficient salt supplies to clear roads, but clearing secondary roads could take up to a week.
• 💨 Plow operations may be affected by sustained winds exceeding 35 mph.
• 🌐 For the most up-to-date roadway information, visit drivenc.gov.