A state of emergency remains in effect for North Carolina, as a winter storm of snow, sleet, and freezing rain gets ready to take aim at the state this weekend.

Democrat Gov. Josh Stein issued the directive Wednesday.

The storm will span over 35 states, from Nevada to Rhode Island, and is expected to affect 200 million people with record-setting snowfall and dangerous icy conditions beginning on Friday and lasting through Monday, with aftereffects even longer.

A Winter Storm Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for almost all of North Carolina, with the exception of the eastern half of the state. As of Thursday morning, meteorologists say the storm should start out as snow Saturday, but quickly change over to a heavy mixture of sleet and freezing rain, with significant icing across the watch area.  

The storm is being compared to the Dec. 4, 2002, ice storm that hit the state, where up to an inch of ice accumulated. As many as 1.8 million people were left without electricity, and many did not have power fully restored until Dec. 14.

At Thursday’s media briefing, the governor said officials’ greatest concerns are potential power outages and road safety over the coming days, due to ice accumulation. The State Emergency Response Team, which includes the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the Department of Public Safety, the North Carolina National Guard, the State Highway Patrol, and the state’s utilities, has been activated.

“I would ask all North Carolinians to finalize preparations by Friday night and plan to stay off the roads this weekend,” said Will Ray, emergency management director. “Unnecessary travel not only puts you at risk, but also the public safety personnel, power crews, and DOT workers who are working to respond to emergencies, to restore power, and to clear roadways quickly. If you must drive, our partners with the State Highway Patrol advise reducing speed significantly, increasing the following distance between you and other vehicles, and clearing all snow and ice from your vehicle before traveling.”

He said in addition to the State Emergency Response team, the Regional Coordination Centers in Kinston, Burlington, and Hickory; NCDOT; the North Carolina National Guard; the State Highway Patrol; and the Department of Health and Human Services are working to address any requests by local communities. State warehouses in Burlington and in Bladen and Stanly counties have also been activated, and the State Emergency Response Team has provided water, meals, medical supplies, and heating equipment to local communities or partners who have requested that support.

The state’s National Guard will be ready to assist stranded motorists, support first responders with emergency response roadway clearance, and assist with commodity distribution. Additionally, aviation assets from the state’s National Guard, and the State Highway Patrol are on standby for any rescue or movement of critical resources and personnel into impacted communities. “Hot spot” (locations with steep inclines) crews are being deployed along our major roadways, primarily in western North Carolina, along I-40 near Clyde, I-40 at Old Fort in McDowell County, on the Saluda Grade in Polk County, along I-77, and US 321 at Turner Grade in Surry County.

Ray added that the North Carolina Forest Service from the Department of Agriculture will be activating personnel and equipment to assist communities with tree removal from roadways as necessary, and the state’s partners at the North County Office of Emergency Medical Services are monitoring the needs of the health care community across the state, particularly licensed care facilities and hospitals, to quickly address any needs impacting patients.

NCDOT Secretary Daniel Johnson said they have more than 2,100 specially trained employees available to respond to the storm, with more than 1,100 already pretreating thousands of miles of roads with over 3,300 gallons of brine. There are also 1,250 dump trucks that can be fitted to clear snow and ice, 913 contract trucks that are prepared, and 217 motor graders on standby, with some equipment being staged in known trouble spots. They also have more than 150,000 tons of salt to treat roads and are actively securing additional salt to replenish supplies throughout the storm.

He said the major interstates are the first priority, followed by four-lane highways, state and US routes, and then secondary roads. They also have a support system in place, so staff from less-impacted regions can shift resources throughout the state where needed.

Johnson also stressed that the storm will be followed by a prolonged period of cold weather, which could keep roads icy for several days.

Stein said pre-positioned groups, like the National Guard, also have Starlink satellite internet in addition to traditional forms of communication, in case of a backup need.

Winter storm safety tips

Here are some tips that officials at the press conference and others advise people to take.

  • Get weather forecasts from local TV and radio stations, the National Weather Service, and their weather apps on your phone. Sign up for weather alerts on your phone.
  • Have enough medication, non-perishable food, water (one gallon per day per person), and other supplies for each person and pet for at least five days. Also, have enough cash on hand especially, if there is any power for ATM’s or electronic transactions.
  • Have blankets, boots (especially with grips for traction), and warm winter clothing in case the power goes out for several days.
  • Keep devices charged and have a power bank for additional phone charging.
  • Have a battery-operated radio, flashlights, fresh batteries, and battery-operated lights on hand.
  • If using a generator, operate it outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, never burn charcoal or use a gas grill indoors, properly vent kerosene heaters, and make sure that all heaters have space around them to reduce fire risk.
  • If you have to travel, have an emergency kit in your vehicle, with supplies like food, water, warm clothing, blankets, kitty litter/sand for traction, a shovel, flashlights, a kit including jumper cables, scraper, tow chain, first aid kit, road map, and a white piece of clothing or an object to let others know if you are stranded along the roadway.
  • Don’t forget to check on loved ones and neighbors, especially those who are vulnerable, like the elderly or those living alone. Also, make sure to bring pets inside and make sure animals that are outside, like farm animals, have shelter and enough food and water.

The governor said some communities may open warming stations and that information should be found by visiting local government websites and emergency management agencies websites, and social media accounts.

Helpful websites

Some helpful websites to go to include readync.gov, a one-stop shop of information that includes current weather conditions, road conditions, a power outage map, and shelter information; Drivenc.gov for road conditions; Ready.gov/kit offers helpful tips for building an emergency kit; and Duke Energy for power outage information and other tips. For additional resources, people can also call 211.

In related news, Attorney General Jeff Jackson said the state price goughing law is now in effect.

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Burlington Democratic Party Duke Energy Hickory Interstate 40 Interstate 77 Josh Stein Kinston McDowell County National Guard of the United States National Weather Service Nevada North Carolina North Carolina Department of Transportation North Carolina Forest Service Old Fort Rhode Island Starlink Surry County Texas Department of Public Safety United States Department of Agriculture United States Department of Health and Human Services Will Ray
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