Governor Josh Stein has issued a warning to North Carolina residents following the recent snowstorm, urging continued caution on state roads due to lingering hazardous conditions.
“While the storm has passed, the snow remains and our roads will remain dicey in the days ahead,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Please continue to avoid unnecessary travel and use caution if you must drive. I’m thankful for all the NCDOT employees and contractors working across North Carolina to clear the roads and keep people safe.”
According to weather forecasts, snow in eastern North Carolina is expected to move offshore by mid-morning, with dry conditions following throughout the state. However, gusty winds are predicted to persist on Sunday, reaching up to 25-30 mph across much of North Carolina. Stronger gusts of 55-60 mph are possible along coastal areas, while mountain regions could see winds up to 40-55 mph. High temperatures will only reach into the 20s and low 30s, with wind chills remaining in single digits in mountainous areas and teens elsewhere. Overnight lows are forecasted in single digits and teens, with wind chills dropping below zero.
The combination of strong winds and higher than normal tides is expected to cause moderate or significant coastal flooding and ocean overwash through Sunday morning. Flooding of up to 2-4 feet above ground level may affect both soundside and oceanside locations as well as adjacent tidal rivers and creeks. Portions of North Carolina Highway 12 could become impassable during high tide periods, particularly on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands.
NC Emergency Management Chief of Staff Don Campbell emphasized road safety: “Please continue to stay off the roadways today to let first responders, the NCDOT, the State Highway Patrol, and the North Carolina National Guard safely operate,” he said. “If you must travel, make sure you have a disaster supply kit in your vehicle, which includes blankets, extra clothing, food, water, a flashlight, an ice scraper, and a way to charge your cell phone. And slow down.”
Significant snowfall has made travel dangerous in many parts of North Carolina—a situation likely to persist for several days due to ongoing cold temperatures.
State Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson added: “Yesterday, there were a lot of people across North Carolina who were driving in very dangerous conditions, which led to a significant number of crashes and cars stuck on the roads,” he said. “If you do have to drive, slow down and give our teams and other first responders lots of distance.”
NCDOT crews began work Saturday as heavy snowfall impacted various regions including Piedmont, mountains, coastal areas—and later central parts of the state. By Sunday morning more than 15,000 tons of salt had been spread on interstates and highways; over 2,500 NCDOT employees plus contractors continued plowing major routes using trucks equipped with spreaders or plows as well as motor graders for tougher accumulations.
The Department is prioritizing interstate highways before moving onto other main connecting routes; clearing operations are expected over several days because subfreezing temperatures will slow progress.
Residents are encouraged visit DriveNC.gov for updates about road closures or changing conditions.
The Office of the Governor of North Carolina—established in 1776 as its oldest public office—serves all residents by enforcing state laws as chief executive according to its official website. The governor also directs emergency responses such as this one while leading agencies like NCDOT or deploying resources from organizations including National Guard units as detailed online.
