Raleigh, NC – On Feb 19th morning, Governor Josh Stein provided updates on winter weather and information for North Carolinians to help them stay safe. As the winter storm pushes through much of North Carolina today and tomorrow, Governor Stein advised that all North Carolinians continue to take caution, listen to local officials, and plan accordingly for the snow, ice, and cold weather. 

“Our State Emergency Response Team is using every tool at its disposal to minimize the impact of this storm on North Carolinians,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Over the next 24 hours, think about who in your life might be most vulnerable to this weather; please check on them and make sure they’re prepared, too. Taking care of each other is what North Carolinians do.” 

Yesterday, Governor Stein declared a State of Emergency in preparation for the winter weather. The State Emergency Response Team remains activated, and the State Emergency Operations Center and Regional Coordination Centers remain in close communication with local emergency management officials to ensure that all resources are available to quickly respond to any needs across the state.

The forecast for most of North Carolina includes snowfall accumulations of 1 to 2 inches. Northern counties are expected to see 2 to 4 inches of snow, with the highest snow accumulation in the northeastern counties at 6 to 8 inches. In addition to the snow, there will be bitter cold temperatures and gusty winds across the state tonight, producing wind chill values in the teens. 

As temperatures drop, there may be significant ice accumulation in parts of central and eastern North Carolina. Accumulations of a quarter inch or more may cause tree limbs to break and lead to power outages. It is crucial for all North Carolinians to stay informed about the weather as the storm progresses.

The North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) has activated more than 180 guardsmen to assist and support local communities across the state. 

Officials with the N.C. Department of Transportation warn of hazardous travel conditions and advise limiting unnecessary travel. If any travel is necessary, please use caution as the temperature drops and surfaces freeze. The agency deployed roughly 1,500 crew members to pre-treat roads across the state, spreading 3.1 million gallons of brine. 133,000 tons of salt are on hand to treat ice covered roads, and hundreds of trucks are equipped with plows and spreaders to remove snow and ice after a storm hits. 

Visit?ReadyNC.gov?for power outage information and for information on how you and your family can prepare for winter weather. For real-time travel information, visit?DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.  

To prepare for winter weather, North Carolina Emergency Management officials recommend these tips: 

• Pay close attention to your local forecast and be prepared for what’s expected in your area. Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio or a weather alert app on your phone to receive emergency weather alerts. 
• Stock up on water and non-perishable food.
• Keep cell phones, mobile devices, and spare batteries charged.
• Stay home and off the roads if you can.
• Store an emergency kit in your vehicle in case you must travel. Include scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first-aid kit, and road map. 
• Dress warmly if you go outside. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing. 
• 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. 
• Check in on your friends and neighbors, especially the elderly, during winter weather.
• If your power goes out:
• Only operate generators outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Never burn charcoal indoors or use a gas grill indoors.
• Properly vent kerosene heaters.
• Use battery-powered sources for light, instead of candles, to reduce the risk of fire.
• If you are utilizing a portable heater, make sure that it is properly ventilated, has at least 3 feet of space on all sides, and never leave children unattended near a heater.