ASHEVILLE – Gov. Josh Stein declared a statewide state of emergency Jan. 9, ahead of a winter storm expected to pass through North Carolina starting Friday, Jan. 10. Officials urge people across the state to be prepared for cold temperatures, snow and ice.
The executive order warns the projected winter storm may result in extensive damage, including widespread power outages. It notes the need to prepare and respond to the winter storm as Western North Carolina continues to recover from Tropical Storm Helene, requiring “increased planning and preparation to protect public health and public safety.”
“This storm will likely bring significant impacts from snow, sleet, and freezing rain in different parts of the state,” Stein said in a Jan. 9 statement.
“North Carolinians should pay close attention to their local weather forecast, make sure they are prepared with what they need at home before Friday afternoon, and stay home if possible as ice on the roadways will likely create dangerous driving conditions.”
Gov. Josh Stein speaks during a media briefing in Downtown Asheville on January 2, 2025. Stein signed five executive orders Jan. 2 to support the Helene recovery effort.
With unanimous agreement form the Council of State, Stein activated state resources to “set into motion a cross-agency storm response” before the storm arrives and to “enable the potential of federal reimbursement if the event qualifies,” the release said.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has already begun brining roads. Crews will work in 12-hour shifts to plow and treat snow and ice until all state-maintained roads are cleared.
More: School closings in Western North Carolina, Friday, Jan. 10
The order calls for the “prompt restoration of utility services” should outages occur, and for “the uninterrupted supply of electricity, fuel oil, diesel oil, gasoline, kerosene, propane, liquid petroleum gas, food, water, and medical supplies to residential and commercial establishments” before, during and after the storm.
“State emergency officials are monitoring the situation and are prepared to assist the counties and municipalities if needed,” Will Ray, director of North Carolina Emergency Management, said in the release.
“Residents across the state should be prepared to shelter in place. If the power goes out, be sure to operate generators outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.”
A winter storm watch was issued by the National Weather Service for much of a long list of counties and areas in WNC as well as portions of northeast Georgia, Upstate South Carolina and the N.C. Piedmont. The warning is in effect from 7 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9, through 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11.
More on what to expect: Winter storm warning: How much snow will Asheville, Hendersonville, Western NC get? The latest
Travel conditions are expected to be hazardous Jan. 10, which may continue until Monday morning, officials said. Areas of black ice will be possible, along with scattered power outages where snow and ice accumulations are the heaviest. Power outages are more likely in areas with heavier snowfall, due to the weight of the snow on tree limbs and power lines, the news release said.
N.C. DOT is urging people not to travel during the storm unless “absolutely necessary.” If travel is necessary during bad weather, State Highway Patrol officials remind motorists to reduce speed, leave plenty of room between other vehicles, and clear all ice or snow from your vehicle before traveling.
“If you become stranded, pull off the highway, remain in your vehicle and call for help. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you can take shelter,” the release said.
More: Are you ready for snow? Here’s how to prepare for getting snowed in
NC Emergency Management recommendations
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Pay close attention to your local forecast and be prepared for what’s expected in your area.
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Keep cell phones, mobile devices and spare batteries charged.
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Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio or a weather alert app on your phone to receive emergency weather alerts.
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Dress warmly. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.
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Store an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first-aid kit and road map.
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Gather emergency supplies for your pet including leash and feeding supplies, enough food for several days and a pet travel carrier.
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Do not leave pets outside for long periods of time during freezing weather.
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Look out for your friends, neighbors and the elderly during winter weather.
What to do if power goes out
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Ensure generators are operated outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Never burn charcoal indoors or use a gas grill indoors.
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Properly vent kerosene heaters.
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Use battery-powered sources for light, instead of candles, to reduce the risk of fire.
Visit ReadyNC.gov for more information on winter weather safety and preparation. For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media. Click here to read Governor Stein’s executive order.
More: NC releases names of 104 killed due to Tropical Storm Helene, by county of death
Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: North Carolina under state of emergency ahead of winter storm
