Governor Josh Stein has expressed his gratitude to North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) crews for their ongoing efforts to clear roads and protect residents as another winter storm approaches the state. On Friday, Governor Stein declared a State of Emergency to allow North Carolina to qualify for federal assistance if needed and activated the State Emergency Response Team ahead of the expected arrival of the storm on Saturday morning.
The State Emergency Response Team will support communities that may be affected by the weather event. Governor Stein was joined at a press briefing by NC Emergency Management Director Will Ray and NCDOT Secretary Daniel Johnson, where they discussed preparations and provided guidance for residents.
“As another round of winter weather moves into North Carolina, this time possibly bringing snow, I urge everyone to stay alert and take precautions,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Our emergency management teams and NCDOT crews continue to work around the clock, and I’m grateful for their continued dedication to keeping North Carolinians safe. Please continue to use caution when driving and follow the same safety steps that helped keep people safe last weekend.”
NC Emergency Management Director Will Ray emphasized preparedness: “Once again much of North Carolina is forecast to receive wintry weather and it’s important to be prepared,” he said. “While the forecast for this weekend’s storm is expected to be primarily snow, it is important to remember that travel conditions may become treacherous, and it’s safest to just stay home to let first responders, the NCDOT, the NC National Guard, and the State Highway Patrol safely work. With continued cold temperatures, please focus on personal and family preparedness and continue to check in on those in your neighborhood or community who may need support.”
State Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson reported that most road-clearing from last weekend’s storm is complete: “Most road-clearing work from last weekend’s storm is complete and we started pre-treating roads with brine yesterday so we’re ready for what this next storm brings,” he said. “We expect major impacts to our roads this weekend and into next week due to the expected cold temperatures. Once this storm hits, play it safe and stay off the roads until conditions improve.”
North Carolina Emergency Management officials have advised residents to monitor local forecasts closely, charge mobile devices in advance, use NOAA weather radios or alert apps for updates, dress in layers during cold spells, keep emergency kits in vehicles if travel is necessary—including items such as scrapers, jumper cables, sand or salt—and ensure pets are cared for indoors during freezing conditions.
If power outages occur during severe weather events, authorities recommend operating generators outdoors away from windows or doors; never burning charcoal or using gas grills indoors; properly venting kerosene heaters; and using battery-powered lights instead of candles.
For more information about winter weather safety measures or real-time travel updates visit ReadyNC.gov or DriveNC.gov respectively. The Office of the Governor of North Carolina dates back to 1776 as its oldest public office. It serves as chief executive over state laws while directing budgets, chairing the Council of State according to its official website. The governor also leads appointments within state government including command over the National Guard.
Josh Stein currently serves as North Carolina’s 76th governor as noted by official records.
A copy of Governor Stein’s executive order can be accessed online.
