CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As North Carolina prepares for a winter storm the third weekend in a row, Governor Cooper and state leaders remind residents to get ready.
Cooper and state leaders say accumulating snow could lead to hazardous travel conditions Friday night through midday Saturday.
βToday is the day to get the essentials you need, so you can stay off the roads tonight and Saturday if conditions are dangerous in your area,β says Governor Cooper.
Winter Weather Advisories have been issued for much of the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, where officials say 1-2 inches of snow is expected.
Gusty winds are also expected statewide Friday night through Saturday, which will bring very cold wind that could lead to isolated power outages and minor coastal flooding.
NCDOT crews are preparing equipment in response and pre-treating roads with brine where possible.
Residents are asked to not travel during winter weather conditions if it can be avoided.
βStaying off the roads will make it easier for our crews and emergency responders to do their jobs,β says N.C. Department of Transportationβs Chief Operating Officer Beau Memory. βThe best thing you can do is stay home once the winter weather starts.β
Transportation officials say anyone who must drive in winter conditions should reduce their speed significantly, increase distance between other vehicles, and clear all snow and ice off their vehicle before traveling.
North Carolina Emergency Management provides the following tips to keep safe during winter weather:
- Pay close attention to your local forecast and be prepared for whatβs expected in your area.
- Keep cell phones, mobile devices and spare batteries charged.
- Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio or a weather alert app on your phone to receive emergency weather alerts.
- Dress warmly. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.
- Store an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first-aid kit and road map.
- Gather emergency supplies for your pet including leash and feeding supplies, enough food for several days and a pet travel carrier.
- Do not leave pets outside for long periods of time during freezing weather.
- Look out for your friends, neighbors and the elderly during winter weather.
