McCrory Issues A State Of Emergency Ahead Of Winter Storm

Gov. McCrory has declared a state of emergency ahead of winter weather making its way through North Carolina. More than half of the state's 100 counties are under a winter storm warning as snow, sleet and freezing rain are forecast to move into the state over the next couple of days.

Mike Sprayberry, director of NC emergency management, says an emergency operations center opened at noon to help prepare for the storm.

“We have three primary concerns with this winter storm--power outages, hazardous travel and extreme cold. If you lose power and you use secondary sources, please use extreme caution. Also, if you don't have to be on the roads, stay off the roads," says Sprayberry.

Officials say crews have spread 1.3 million gallons of brine on state roads, but they stressed that the cold temperatures could lessen its effectiveness.

The State of Emergency declaration enables Gov. McCrory to mobilize the necessary resources to respond to a storm and is the first step in seeking federal funds to help defray eligible storm-related costs.

“Our DOT has been out preparing the roads and last year, I also instructed the Highway Patrol not to leave any vehicles untouched to ensure no one has to spend the night on the roads, and I'm making the same order this year, especially given the very cold temperatures that are in our state,” says McCrory. 

He adds that the declaration also waives restrictions on weight and the hours of service for fuel, utility and other truck drivers that may be working to deliver supplies.

Real-time weather and road conditions and shelter openings, as well as winter safety tips, can be found on the ReadyNC mobile app or on line at www.readync.org web site.