Gov. Stein urges residents to stay off roads as winter storm bears down

Governor Josh Stein is urging residents to take precautions as a major winter storm bears down on the state.

Snow, ice, and freezing rain are expected across much of North Carolina Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. In his first emergency press briefing as Governor, Stein told motorists to stay off the roads. 

"Our greatest concern is road safety,” he said. “The thawing and refreezing of precipitation leads to ice so everyone needs to be careful on our roads. Please avoid traveling unless it is absolutely necessary.”

State Emergency Management Director William Ray said the greatest accumulations of snow are expected in the mountains and Piedmont counties north of I-85. 

“Keep in mind that power outages may occur in areas due to the weight of the snow or ice accumulation on tree limbs and power lines," he said. "If your power goes out, ensure generators are operated outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.”

Ray said utility companies are prepared to handle potential outages. The North Carolina National Guard and State Highway Patrol have also been dispatched to respond to the storm.