Winter storm prompts State of Emergency in North Carolina; leaders urge preparedness
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- As a winter storm approaches North Carolina, state leaders are urging preparedness as a top priority.
"Get disaster supplies ready now in case you lose power and can't leave home for a few days. You may need water, nonperishable food, medication and other supplies for three to five days for each person and pet in your household. You may also need a flashlight, fresh batteries, a battery-operated radio, a way to keep your phone charged and blankets and winter clothing," said Governor Josh Stein.
State leaders are urging people to avoid driving if necessary.
"Unnecessary travel not only puts you at risk, but also the public safety personnel, the power crews and the DOT workers who are working to respond to emergencies, to restore power and to clear roadways," said William Ray, NC Emergency Management Director.
A major concern is ice accumulation, which poses risks beyond slick roads-it could lead to widespread power outages. To address this, Duke Energy has mobilized 18,000 workers from across the country to assist in North Carolina. Duke has about twenty sites set up across the Carolinas, including a base at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre in Raleigh, where 1,000 workers are set to arrive ahead of the storm.
"We've upgraded the electric grid to make it stronger and more resistant. We've added new tools that can automatically restore power where it can, but we know that we're going to see physical infrastructure damage. And so that could mean an extended period of time based on the road conditions and other things before we can get your power on," said Jeff Brooks with Duke Energy.
Governor Josh Stein has declared a State of Emergency as weather alerts cover all of Central North Carolina this weekend. During a media briefing on Thursday, officials emphasized the need to stock up on essentials such as water, non-perishable foods, and medications for the next three to five days. They also recommended gathering flashlights, batteries, blankets, and winter clothing. The state is already preparing to ship supplies to support shelters if necessary.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) also held a briefing, stressing that this will be a "marathon, not a sprint." They are urging people to stay off the roads to support their efforts.
DOT outlined a three-phase response plan: Phase 1 involved preparing roads by spreading over 300,000 gallons of brine to prevent snow and ice from sticking. However, officials are also concerned about ice-laden trees and have hired subcontractors to remove downed trees while keeping extra crews on standby.
DOT said in a statement, "We are now taking the deep breath before the event comes in."
Although the storm's arrival has been slightly delayed, the next phase-active storm management, is imminent. This will involve maintaining lanes on interstates and ensuring emergency services can operate during the storm. DOT also warned that being on the roads could hinder rescue efforts and endanger both drivers and responders.
Once the storm passes, Phase 3 will focus on clearing trees and ice from roads. Officials are strongly advising people to stay home, as roads will be unsafe. Stranded motorists not only risk their own safety but also that of rescue crews, and abandoned vehicles will be towed.
SEE ALSO: How to prepare a winter weather safety kit for the season
