03/28/2024
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By: Charlotte Smith

Governor Roy Cooper held a winter storm update this Saturday morning at 8:30 am in Raleigh at the N.C. State Emergency Operations Center. Cooper was join by Acting Transportation Secretary Mike Holder, Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry, State Highway Patrol Sgt. Michael Baker and NC National Guard Major General Greg Lusk to discuss response to the ongoing winter storm.

Cooper encouraged everyone to stay home if possible. According to the report six to ten inches of snow and sleet did fall around the triad area in North Carolina over night. Cooper reported areas in the state has continued falling snow and sleet at this time.

“There are still treacherous road conditions,” Cooper said. “There is still a state of emergency in all 100 counties.”

One fatality did occur during the winter storm, but is still under investigation to determine if the death was due to the weather conditions according to Sgt. Backer with the NC Highway Patrol.

Cooper said as of 6 am there were 260 vehicle accidents in North Carolina and 462 calls for service to the NC Highway Patrol. He also reported 18,000 have experienced power outages.

There are about 1,400 NC DOT employees working hard right now, according to Cooper.

“We are expecting significantly colder weather and the wind is expected to increase.” Cooper said.

“We will have information later today with the potential of more power outages,” the Governor added.

Cooper emphasized, “If I tell you anything, it would be to stay home. Do not go out on the roads unless you absolutely have to.”

“If you have to go out, get real time travel information before you go out at drivenc.gov or dial 511,” Cooper explained.

Cooper reported the National Guard soldiers are on the ready, who have been deployed. Before closing the briefing Cooper thanked everyone working hard during this winter storm.

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