State Prepares for Fourth Winter Storm this Season | Eastern North Carolina Now

News Release:

    Raleigh, NC     Hazardous driving conditions are possible during the afternoon and evening commute. The high probability of black ice on the roads for the Tuesday morning commute is of a particular concern to safety and state law enforcement officials.

    "North Carolina is facing its fourth winter storm this year. While each storm is different, the safety requirements are much the same: watch your local weather forecast, use extreme caution if you must drive in hazardous conditions and play it safe," Governor McCrory said.

    Between late Monday morning and mid-day Tuesday, the Triangle and Triad areas could see a mixture of snow and sleet with a trace of ice. Northern counties along the Virginia border could see between one and three inches of snow with additional minor amounts of sleet or ice. Fayetteville, the Sandhills area and coastal counties could see up to a half-inch of sleet with traces of ice.

    "While this storm is not expected to be as severe or last as long as the previous two storms, it has the potential to cause hazardous road conditions in some areas," said Public Safety Secretary Frank L. Perry.

    State and local emergency management officials have been working with the National Weather Service and are monitoring conditions, while state transportation crews are on standby to treat roads as needed.

    Several state agencies are dismissing non-essential employees early to minimize traffic jams.

    For those drivers who encounter slick road conditions, Perry offered the following safety tips:

    Reduce your speed. Driving at the regular speed limit will reduce your ability to control the car if you begin to slide.

    Leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles.

    Bridges and overpasses accumulate ice first. Approach them with extreme caution and do not apply your brakes while on the bridge.

    If you do begin to slide, take your foot off the gas and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide. Do not apply the brakes as that will cause further loss of control of the car.

    "If you do lose power, remember never use charcoal grills or generators indoors," Perry said. "The fumes can be deadly."

    Perry also reminded people to use flashlights instead of candles to reduce the risk of starting a fire.

    Motorists are reminded to use the free ReadyNC mobile app for traffic or weather conditions or to call 511 for the latest road conditions. Traffic conditions can also be found on http://www.ncdot.gov/. Reserve calling 911 or the State Highway Patrol Communication Centers for emergency calls only.

    Perry said the forecasted amounts of precipitation combined with below-freezing temperatures means that the storm's effects likely will be felt through Tuesday morning. The good news is warmer temperatures return later in the week.


    Contact: Crystal Feldman
       govpress@nc.gov