NC braces for winter storm; roads are big concern | ABC11 Live

Roads are one of the biggest concerns for North Carolina with this upcoming winter storm, according to Governor Josh Stein and emergency officials.

Crews are already out on the roads in full force. The Department of Transportation has activated over 1,900 employees and contractors involved in pre-storm preparations.

As of this morning, 3 million gallons of brine have pre-treated hundreds of roads across the state. Preparations also include:

• 600 trucks with plows and spreaders
• 300 motor graders to help remove snow and ice
• 160,000 tons of salt ready to treat the roads

Watch the full storm briefing with Governor Stein, emergency officials

"We are staging equipment in areas that are known trouble spots during winter storms," Joey Hopkins, NCDOT's secretary of transportation, said during a Friday storm briefing. "We are partnering with North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the North Carolina National Guard for additional resources in several hotspots where breakdowns occur regularly during these types of events. Their assistance...enables quicker clearance of disabled vehicles to help maintain safe traffic flow in these spots."

The big message is for people to get the supplies they need now. NCDOT urges people to not travel during the storm unless it's necessary.

Stein relayed tips Friday from emergency management officials, including paying attention to your local forecast and being prepared for whatever is expected in your area.

"Keep your cell phones, mobile devices and spare batteries charged in case you experience power outages," he said. "Please avoid the roads unless you absolutely must travel."

Due to the anticipated impacts of the winter storm, Blue Cross NC is allowing early prescription refills for customers in all 100 NC counties until Jan. 19.

This comes after Governor Stein declared a state of emergency Thursday.

Requests must be made while the State of Emergency declaration is still in effect, the health insurance company said Friday. The policy also does not apply to controlled substances.

For more information, click here.

Preparation is the name of the game because it has been a while since we had a measurable snowfall in the area, so folks are stocking up on snacks and supplies to just stay inside.

Some shoppers say they don't know what to expect as central North Carolina could see snow, sleet and freezing rain.

"I can remember when I was a kid, it snowed every winter but see, like like two or three or four or five years, we hadn't had much snow. Oh, it's bad rain here because people are not used to it."

ABC11 also stopped by a local hardware store and the owner says ice melt hand warmers, gloves, and a de-icer for car windshields have been in demand.

Governor Josh Stein and emergency officials will hold a briefing Friday morning about the state's response to the upcoming winter storm and what you can expect.

The briefing will start at 11:30 a.m.

The briefing will start at 11:30 a.m.