Governor Stein and Emergency Management Officers Present Updates on Weekend Weather

Today Governor Stein shared steering and developments on the state’s response to the winter storm impacting North Carolina.  

“Today is bringing snowfall across our state,” mentioned Governor Josh Stein. “Our transportation, public safety, and emergency management teams are positioned and working to keep people safe, and I’m grateful for their continued efforts. Stay home and off the roads, grab a sled, and enjoy the winter fun.”

On Thursday, Governor Stein declared a State of Emergency to assist North Carolina qualify for federal help whether it is wanted. The State Emergency Response Team has been activated forward of the storm’s arrival to help affected communities with any response wants.

A significant winter storm is underway, with snow falling throughout a lot of the state. Widespread snowfall totals of 3-8 inches are forecast Saturday by means of noon Sunday. Some places could expertise low-end snow totals, whereas others see domestically important quantities of 8-12 inches or extra, notably the place heavy snow bands develop. Snowfall is forecast to finish from west to east as low stress exits the area by mid-day Sunday. A Winter Storm Warning stays in impact throughout NC by means of Sunday.

Very chilly temperatures and powerful wind gusts are anticipated Saturday into Sunday. Daytime wind chills Saturday will dip into the one digits and teenagers, and under zero wind chills are forecast in a single day statewide. Wind gusts of 25-45 miles per hour are attainable throughout central North Carolina, with stronger gusts of 55-65 miles per hour throughout the mountains, and 55-70 miles per hour or greater alongside the coast. High winds may also result in average to domestically important coastal flooding of 2-4 toes above floor stage alongside a lot of the coast. Strong winds will probably scale back visibility from blowing/drifting snow and will result in temporary blizzard situations, particularly inside heavy snow bands. Avoid journey as hazardous driving and white out situations are probably.

“We will continue to see winter storm impacts in many communities across the state today and through tonight, so all North Carolinians need to remain weather aware and stay off the roads, if possible,” mentioned NC Emergency Management Chief of Staff Don Campbell. “In addition to today’s snowfall, we will see dangerously low temperatures which requires you to have a plan in place to stay warm and safe tonight. For resources in your community, please monitor your local emergency management website, social media accounts, and visit ReadyNC.Gov/WinterStorm2026.”

N.C. Department of Transportation workers throughout North Carolina accomplished brining roads earlier than the storm arrived. By early Saturday morning, crews had been again out salting and in some instances in western North Carolina plowing roads the place snow had began to build up. Other crews in central and coastal North Carolina had been awaiting snow to fall or begin accumulating earlier than starting road-clearing operations. The company has greater than 2,500 workers and contractors working or able to go statewide.

As of 10 a.m. Saturday, greater than 5,500 tons of salt had been positioned on roads. NCDOT and its contract forces will focus their efforts on clearing interstates and highways first after which transfer to different major routes and different well-traveled roads.

“Crews are actively clearing roads in the western part of the state, while others are on standby in the east, awaiting further accumulation,” mentioned State Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson. “We strongly advise against traveling in these weather conditions. Stay off the roads if you can.”

To put together for winter climate, North Carolina Emergency Management officers advocate the following pointers:

• Given the risks of utmost chilly, keep away from hypothermia and frostbite by dressing warmly, eradicating moist clothes, and defending your pores and skin from publicity to the chilly.  
• Pay shut consideration to your native forecast and be ready for what’s anticipated in your space.  
• Keep cell telephones, cell units, and spare batteries charged.  
• Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) climate radio or a climate alert app in your telephone to obtain emergency climate alerts.  
• Dress warmly. Wear a number of layers of skinny clothes as a substitute of a single layer of thick clothes.  
• Store an emergency equipment in your car for those who should journey. Include scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first-aid equipment, and street map.  
• Gather emergency provides to your pet, together with leash and care provides, sufficient meals for a number of days, and a pet journey provider.  
• Do not go away pets exterior for lengthy intervals of time throughout freezing climate.  
• Look out to your associates, neighbors, and the aged throughout winter climate. 

If your energy goes out:  

• Ensure mills are operated exterior and away from open home windows or doorways to stop carbon monoxide poisoning. 
• Never burn charcoal indoors or use a fuel grill indoors. 
• Properly vent kerosene heaters. 
• Use battery-powered sources for gentle, as a substitute of candles, to cut back the chance of fireside. 

Visit ReadyNC.gov for extra info on winter climate security and preparation. For real-time journey info, go to DriveNC.gov, or follow NCDOT on social media.