What North Carolina says they’re doing for winter storm

RALEIGH, N.C. — In anticipation of a winter storm, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein declared a state of emergency on Tuesday urging North Carolinians to prepare for winter weather conditions expected to impact the the state starting Wednesday. 

During a morning briefing Tuesday, Stein, alongside Director of Emergency Management Will Ray and Secretary of Transportation Joey Hopkins, emphasized the importance of taking precautions and staying informed.

“Most of North Carolina will be impacted by this storm, and our greatest concerns are potential power outages and road safety,” Stein said. “We urge all travelers to stay off the road once the storm hits on Wednesday, to keep their devices charged, and to monitor local weather.”

Periods of ice, snow, sleet and rain are expected in parts of the Carolinas on Wednesday and Thursday. The forecast is complex, according to Brad Panovich and the WCNC Weather Impact Team. A mix of precipitation types and an overall lack of moisture creates uncertainty in determining how much ice and snow will accumulate.

RELATED: Weather Impact Alert: Wintry mix in Charlotte Wednesday into Thursday

Overall, accumulation in Charlotte is expected to be minimal but enough that roads could still be icy and slippery.

The State Emergency Response Team has been activated and is coordinating with various agencies, including the Department of Transportation, North Carolina National Guard, State Highway Patrol, Department of Health and Human Services, and local emergency management, to ensure resources are deployed swiftly across the state. Ray stressed the importance of staying off the roads and monitoring weather updates.

Ice accumulation is a concern for central and eastern parts of the state, with potential accumulations of a quarter inch or more, which could lead to tree limb breakage and power outages. 

The North Carolina National Guard has activated over 180 guardsmen to support local communities, while more than 1,500 employees with the N.C. Department of Transportation have been pre-treating roads statewide. As of Tuesday morning, 1.8 million gallons of brine have been spread to pretreat hundreds of miles of interstates, highways, and secondary roads. Nearly 600 trucks with plows and spreaders, 240 motor graders, and over 130,000 tons of salt are ready to clear roads once the storm hits. NCDOT crews are prepared to work around-the-clock in shifts to ensure all state-maintained roads are cleared, prioritizing interstates first, followed by U.S. and N.C. routes, and then secondary roads.

Emergency management officials recommend stocking up on water and non-perishable food, keeping cell phones and mobile devices charged, and staying home if possible. If travel is necessary, ensure your vehicle is equipped with an emergency kit, including a scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first-aid kit, and road map. Additionally, dress warmly in multiple layers and gather emergency supplies for pets.

In the event of power outages, operate generators outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, avoid burning charcoal indoors, properly vent kerosene heaters, and use battery-powered sources for light instead of candles to reduce fire risk. If using a portable heater, ensure it is properly ventilated, has at least 3 feet of space on all sides, and never leave children unattended near it.

Driving schools in Charlotte are also warning people to the ice. Janine White with Remedy Driving School said if you don’t need to drive, stay home. She said if you have to go out, take it slow and stay cautious.

“You want to stay 3 to 4 seconds but tomorrow stay 6 to 8 seconds behind that driver in front of you,” White said. “When they pass a stationary point, you count when they get to that point that’s when you know you’re far enough back.” 

 She said if you do skid on the ice, do not pump your brakes. If your car loses traction, White says you should steer in the direction of the skid, not against it. 

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