The North Carolina Department of Transportation is working with the National Guard, State Highway Patrol and other emergency crews to prepare for the winter storm moving into the state Friday.

What You Need To Know

  •  A state Department of Transportation team is warning North Carolinians that poor travel conditions could last into Saturday night

  •  Electricity outages can occur with snow and ice on power lines

  •  Transportation officials ask residents to stay off roads so crews can treat and clear highways safely

  •  State officials urge residents to pay attention to local weather forecasts and keep mobile devices charged in case of emergencies

NCDOT Director of Emergency Management William Ray warned that poor travel conditions could last through Saturday night, with a risk of black ice. He urged drivers to stay off roads so crews can treat and clear them.

Ray said there are over 100 National Guard soldiers equipped with more than 30 vehicles “actively engaged and ready to respond as needed.”

Shelters are set to open in Buncombe and Yancey counties tonight, with other warming shelters being opened across the state.

A state transportation team says power outages may occur due to snow and ice accumulation on power lines. If outages occur, officials remind residents to avoid burning charcoal indoors and to use generators safely.

Officials are advising the public to reserve 911 for emergencies and direct non-urgent calls to 211. Helene disaster recovery centers will be closed during the storm but are expected to reopen at 8 a.m. Monday.

Gov. Josh Stein urged North Carolinians to remain safe and stay informed.

Transportation officials are encouraging residents to pay attention to local weather forecasts and keep mobile devices charged in case of emergencies.

For real-time travel updates, visit readync.gov or drivenc.gov.

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