As a winter storm continues to drop snow and ice across North Carolina, state leaders have one message: stay home.
Power outages continue to grow, and the roads are getting worse as snow, freezing rain and rain spread across the state.
"For today, the best way to avoid a car accident or getting stranded is to stay put," Gov. Roy Cooper said during a news conference Sunday. "Fewer people on the road means fewer car crashes, plus it allows highway crews and utility workers to get faster results."
As much as 8-12 inches of snow has already fallen for some areas, the governor said.
What You Need to Know
A winter storm is causing power outages and dangerous roads across the state
The storm will last most of Sunday
Duke Energy said it expects 750,000 customers in North Carolina and South Carolina to lose power from the storm
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol has already responded to more than 200 crashes as of noon Sunday, according to Highway Patrol commander Col. Freddy Johnson.
"Travel is treacherous across our state," DOT Secretary Eric Boyette said at the news conference in Raleigh. "Please stay home and stay safe."
Interstate 95 is closed at exit 31, between Lumberton and Fayetteville. The North Carolina Department of Transportation said there are low-hanging power lines above the highway.
Boyette said power crews are working to get the road reopened.
"If you must travel, reduce your speed, increase your following distance and be sure to clear all the snow and ice off your vehicle before traveling," the governor said.
The roads will likely get more dangerous as snow and ice continue to fall.
As of about 6:30 p.m. Sunday, more than 62,000 customers across North Carolina were without power, according to the state Department of Public Safety. But the state's power companies and cooperatives are preparing for a lot more.
Duke Energy said it expects 750,000 customers in North Carolina and South Carolina to lose power from the storm.
"Travel conditions could be hazardous and challenging after the storm passes, possibly delaying Duke Energy crews’ ability to access hard-hit areas to assess storm damage and begin power restoration," Duke Energy said in a statement Friday.
The governor issued a state of emergency ahead of the storm, and many counties and cities around North Carolina have declared their own emergencies.
"As predicted, ice and wind has caused power outages," Cooper said. The governor, and other state officials, said people should not call 911 unless there's an emergency. People should call their power company to report outages.
As the snow turns to ice in more parts of the state through the day Sunday, power outage numbers are expected to grow.
"If your power goes out and you’re trying to stay warm at home, remember to keep generators outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never burn charcoal indoors or use a gas grill indoors," the governor said.
The state is opening shelters and emergency warming centers around the state for people who have lost power. Details on emergency shelters are available at ReadyNC.gov.
"Please don’t take unnecessary chances with this dangerous winter storm. Stay put and stay safe," Cooper said.