Governor McCrory Has State Agencies Ready For Incoming Winter Weather | Eastern North Carolina Now

 Raleigh, N.C.     Governor Pat McCrory reports that the North Carolina State Emergency Response Team is closely monitoring the weather and preparing for the approaching winter storm and recommended that residents do the same.

 "Throughout the weekend, we have been working with all necessary state agencies, state and local emergency management crews to coordinate preparations for the potentially hazardous weather conditions," said Governor McCrory. "We're asking that each resident and family pay close attention to the weather forecast and follow any instructions issued by local officials."

 Snow showers began in the mountains earlier today and much of the state will likely see some sort of wintry mix by early Monday. Accumulations for much of the state should remain fairly light with the wintry mix changing to rain in early afternoon along the southern mountains, Piedmont and coastal plain. Still, the storm's timing could make for hazardous travel conditions in some places Monday morning.

 The northern mountains and northwestern Virginia-border counties are currently under a Winter Storm Warning and could see three to 10 inches of snow with ice accumulations of one-tenth to one-quarter of an inch. The southern mountains and most of central North Carolina now are under a Winter Weather Advisory and could see up to three inches of snow and a trace of ice. Several eastern counties are under a freezing rain advisory and may see a trace of ice.

 State government agencies have advised their employees that the adverse weather policy is in effect for tomorrow, encouraging each state employee to individually determine when and if conditions are safe to get to work. Under the policy, state employees are permitted to use leave time if they cannot safely make it to work, or make up the missed work time at a later date.

 State Troopers are patrolling as usual while paying close attention to potential trouble spots. As with any winter storm, troopers will be actively looking for abandoned vehicles and tagging cars to ensure motorist safety. NCDOT has been working for the past several days to treat interstates and major routes across the state with salt brine to help prevent ice from sticking to the roadways.

 Real-time weather and road conditions and shelter openings, as well as winter safety tips, can be found on the free ReadyNC mobile app or online at www.readync.org.

 Travelers are urged to call 511 or go to www.ncdot.org for up-to-date roadway conditions. Motorists are reminded NOT to call 911 or the State Highway Patrol Communication Centers for roadway conditions.

• Contact:
•  Crystal Feldman
•  govpress@nc.gov