RALEIGH, N.C.– Governor Roy Cooper is urging patience as the state continues to deal with the effects of the recent winter weather system.
At a press conference Saturday morning Cooper warned, “Frigid temperatures mean travel will be treacherous even after the snow, sleet and freezing rain stop falling.
Even though snow did not materialize in significant amounts in most of the south-central and southeastern parts of the state, conditions are still treacherous. Areas to the south and east of I-85 have seen a wintry mix.
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, crews applied nearly 3 million gallons of salt brine on major routes in advance of the storm and will continue to plow and treat roads into Saturday evening. Roadways are cleared in priority order, with interstates and other major routes addressed first.
The State Emergency Response Team reminds travelers to call 511 or go DriveNC.gov for up to date roadway conditions. Motorists are reminded NOT to call 911 or the State Highway Patrol Communication Centers for roadway conditions.
If you must travel, the North Carolina Highway Patrol recommends following these safety tips:
- Reduce your speed. Driving at the regular speed limit will reduce your ability to control the car if you begin to slide.
- Leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles. Bridges and overpasses accumulate ice first. Approach them with extreme caution and do not apply your brakes while on the bridge.
- If you do begin to slide, take your foot off the gas and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide. Do not apply the brakes as that will cause further loss of control of the car.
