At least 25 North Carolina counties have declared a state of emergency and more than 41,000 homes are without power across the state, officials said in a press conference on Sunday.
“North Carolina is now feeling the effects of a winter storm that will continue to move through the state today,” North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said. “As much as eight to twelve inches of snow has fallen in some counties and significant icing is causing trouble in the central part of the state. Conditions vary across North Carolina and are dangerous in many areas.”
More than 41,000 homes and businesses are without power due to ice and wind, Cooper said. Some counties are prepared to open shelters to house those that do not have power or heat, Cooper added. Twenty-four counties have also opened their emergency operations centers, state Emergency Management Chief of Staff Don Campbell said.
Travel is “treacherous” across the state, North Carolina’s Department of Transportation Secretary Eric Boyette said. At least 200 collisions were reported and crews are working “around the clock” to clear roads across the state, he added. Authorities recommended that the best way to avoid an accident “is to stay put.”
High winds and rain have also affected the eastern part of the state and ferry routes in the area have been suspended, Boyette said.
Cooper asked residents to please not take any unnecessary chances with the winter storm. “Stay put and stay safe,” he said.
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