RALEIGH, N.C. — Crews with the North Carolina Department of Transportation are ready for what’s to come as they shift to a new phase of their operation.

What You Need To Know

  • North Carolina Department of Transportation crews transitioned from preparation for storms to reaction

  • Hundreds of trucks deployed across the state in the first major weather event for Gov. Josh Stein since he took office

  • The North Carolina National Guard alerted more than 100 soldiers to respond

Division 5 maintenance engineer Doug McNeal said crews will transition from salt brine applicators to the deployment of plowers and spreaders in the response to the winter storm that spread across the state starting Friday.

“If we get more icing, we might try a little brine application out there on some spot locations, too, because that helps the material, the salt, which helps melt the ice, stay in place. Whereas if you get a hard-packed ice, so it'll have a tendency of blowing,” McNeal said.

More than 3 million gallons of salt brine has been dispensed on roadways operated by the transportation agency. Several hundreds of gallons were sprayed in the Triangle and up to the Virginia state line.

McNeal said at least 110 trucks are on standby in the field to respond as necessary.

Earlier in the day, newly elected Gov. Josh Stein and heads of state agencies spoke about the plans for the storm at the North Carolina Emergency Operations Center.

“It's part of the job, and I anticipated this part of the job,” Stein said. “I actually have participated in these briefings, working on issues about price gouging and my prior work as attorney general. What we want here, what every person on this stage wants, everyone who's working overtime at the Emergency Operations Center wants is for people to be safe.”

This is the first large-scale weather event for Stein since taking office Jan. 1.

Stein set emergency resources into motion when he declared a State of Emergency on Thursday. The declaration gave in-state agencies the freedom to respond as needed to all areas affected by severe winter weather.

State crews are working in 12-hour shifts for around-the-clock care and treatment of roads.

The North Carolina National Guard alerted more than 100 soldiers to respond and has deployed teams across the state to support transportation department crews.

North Carolina Emergency Management Director William Ray said coordinated efforts across state agencies have set the tone since the start of preparations.

“We would ask folks to remain alert, informed and to check on your neighbors and those in your community who may need assistance during a disaster or major event. We are stronger together and make for more resilient communities,” Ray said.

All Hurricane Helene disaster recovery centers in western North Carolina are closed until 8 a.m. Monday.

What You Need To Know