Storm Response and Recovery Continues | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Raleigh, NC     Warmer temperatures today will promote much-anticipated melting of snow and ice along the highways, but forecasted temperatures in the teens and low twenties after sunset means black ice remains a concern tonight and tomorrow morning.

    "I want to thank North Carolinians for doing their part by staying off the roads as much as possible," said Governor McCrory. "It doesn't matter how experienced you are as a driver: no one can safely drive on black ice."

    Many of the roads in central and eastern North Carolina remained slick this morning with snow and ice patches making for continued hazardous driving conditions.

    Since Tuesday, the State Highway Patrol has responded to more than 5,000 service calls statewide which included nearly 3,200 collisions, stranded motorists and abandoned vehicles. That number of service calls was slightly higher than normal. Two people were killed in separate weather-related vehicle crashes Tuesday in Surry County.

    National Guard deployed 39 personnel and 18 humvees to help first responders reach their calls and emergency medical service transport patients.

    "Our State Emergency Response Team partners working with local emergency managers, first responders and law enforcement have done a tremendous job responding to this winter storm," Public Safety Secretary Frank L. Perry said. "These men and women have been working around the clock for the past few days to ensure the safety of North Carolinians and they deserve our thanks and praise."

    In the past 24 hours, N.C. Department of Transportation crews have made strong progress removing ice and snow from roads and bridges across the state.

    From the western mountains to the Triad, interstates and primary routes are in good condition, and crews continue to work today on clearing secondary roads.

    In central North Carolina, interstate routes are clear with possible icy spots in shady areas. Crews are focusing today on primary routes, as well as some secondary routes.

    In eastern North Carolina, which was most significantly impacted by the winter storm, crews are working today to remove ice from I-40 and clear primary routes from I-95 to the coast.

    "I'm proud of the positive impact our dedicated maintenance team has made in a short period of time," said NCDOT Secretary Tony Tata. "With the help of warmer temperatures and sunshine, we hope to make significant strides today in our effort to return roads to pre-storm conditions."

    Currently, NCDOT has 2,816 maintenance employees actively working on winter storm response efforts statewide. They are using 1,488 trucks and 237 graders to clear roads. So far, they have spread 43,075 tons of salt and 11,543 tons of a salt-sand mix on the pavement.

    NCDOT reminds motorists that with temperatures dipping below freezing tonight, any snow or ice that melted during the day could refreeze overnight, creating potential slick spots. Drivers are urged to slow down, buckle their seat belts and avoid distractions like cell phones if they have to drive.

    For updated road conditions, motorists can check the ReadyNC mobile app, call 511 or visit www.ncdot.gov/traffictravel. Travelers are urged NOT to call 911 or the State Highway Patrol.

    At noon, the utility companies were reporting about 2,000 total power outages across the state which is close to normal for any given day.

    Seven counties still have activated Emergency Operations Centers and 20 counties have declared a local State of Emergency.

    The governor said the State of Emergency remains in effect and will continue until the storm is no longer a threat or danger for North Carolina, in order to allow the state to quickly deploy resources in response to the storm.


    Contact: Crystal Feldman
       govpress@nc.gov