RALEIGH, N.C. – Gov. Roy Cooper issued a state of emergency Friday ahead of the expected winter storm over the weekend.

  • Cooper issued a state of emergency on Friday for North Carolina
  • Travel may be severely impacted this weekend
  • This is an unusual storm, NC usually sees these types of storms in January or February, not December

Parts of the state could get up to 18 inches of snow and ice over the next few days. Gusty winds are also very possible. Regardless of where you may be located, almost the whole state is expected to feel some impact from the winter storm.

With a state of emergency in effect, price gouging or overcharging for goods ans services during emergencies is unlawful. If you believe you are a victim, report the claims to the attorney general by dialing 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or online at ncdoj.gov.

“The current forecast calls for a significant winter storm likely to impact much of the state. A Winter Storm is not a Christmas carol snow – it is serious,” said Cooper during a Friday press conference.

“Take steps now to get your family ready. You could see rain, snow, sleet, freezing rain, or a mixture of these with cold temperatures and gusty winds,” he said.

Cooper emphasized travel being a big cause for concern for those areas that will be impacted the most. 

"Safe travel is the biggest concern,” he said. "We expect roads and travel to be treacherous, especially along North and West I-85 and its corridor. Be prepared to stay put a few days when the storm rolls in and the roads become slick. Unnecessary travel not only puts you at risk, but it puts our emergency responders and law enforcement officers at risk."

Typically, North Carolina sees storms like this in January or February, but not ahead of Christmas.

“This is a storm you usually think about after the first of the year. And now, on December 7, we are talking about a foot a snow in a significant part of our state.”

The governor says he is activating 150 National Guard troops to assist with cleanup.