Governor Cooper Signs State of Emergency to Activate Emergency Response Plan, Increase Transportation of Fuel Supplies In Advance of Extreme Cold Temperatures

With the possibility of icy conditions in the western part of the state and below average temperatures expected as an arctic mass approaches, Governor Roy Cooper signed a State of Emergency today to activate the state's emergency operations plan, waive transportation regulations to help the transport of fuel and critical supplies, help first responders and protect consumers from price gouging.

"We know that with the extremely low temperatures North Carolinians will need propane and other heating fuel to keep their families warm," said Governor Cooper. "While propane supplies are strong in the state, there is a limited supply of licensed commercial truck drivers, which is being further exacerbated by COVID and flu outbreaks. The State of Emergency will help ease some restrictions and allow heating fuel companies to keep up with demand."

Cold temperatures are expected to move into the state on Friday and continue through the holiday weekend. Most areas will see overnight lows in the teens, with afternoon highs struggling to climb above freezing. Even colder temperatures are expected across the mountains. Due to the duration of cold temperatures, especially across western NC, water in poorly insulated or open pipes may freeze.

In addition to the cold temperatures, it will be very windy statewide Friday through early Saturday. Strong wind gusts could result in some downed trees, power outages, and wind chill values in the single digits across the state and below zero across the mountains.

While not the main concern, there will be a chance of light wintry precipitation across southern portions of the state Tuesday night, but no accumulation or impacts are expected. A light wintry mix is also possible across the mountains Wednesday night before precipitation changes to rain Thursday morning. Precipitation could then end as a period of snow on Friday, resulting in light accumulations and patchy black ice across the mountains. Portions of eastern NC could see locally heavy rain, isolated severe storms, rough surf, minor beach erosion, and minor coastal flooding on Thursday. Behind the front, minor to moderate coastal flooding is possible along the sound side of the Outer Banks.

If your power goes out:

Visit ReadyNC.gov for more information on winter weather safety and preparation. For information on road conditions visit DriveNC.gov.

Read the State of Emergency.

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