More information about storm response and recovery efforts can be found on ReadyNC.org (link is external) or by following NC Emergency on Facebook (link is external) and Twitter (link is external).
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“It’s still very early in this storm”, said Governor McCrory.
TERRY: What kind of accumulation can we expect?
Much of northern SC remained under winter weather advisories and warnings as what forecasters call a “potentially crippling winter storm” began to pass through the state Friday morning. The forecast calls for another 9 to 13 inches before the precipitation wraps up sometime after midnight. Freezing rain is also expected north of Columbia, with almost a half-inch predicted from Spartanburg to Rock Hill.
Forecasters are also concerned about the possibility of flooding along the Tar and Neuse river basins over the weekend. This, in turn, could cause widespread power outages, the Weather Service said.
McCrory says about 6,000 customers are without power across the state with those concentrated in the mountains and the Charlotte region. Utility companies have staged crews across the state to respond quickly to power outages. The Charlotte Observer reported that the move affects more than 90 percent of daily air service at Charlotte Douglas, meaning most service at the airport will be stopped until Saturday morning, which is when American plans to resume flying from the airport. He says a Wilkes County man who was injured in a wreck Wednesday evening also has died.
Already two people have died in weather-related auto crashes.
Gov. Pat McCrory has provided details on the two most recent deaths attributed to the snow and ice storm in North Carolina.
The patrol said speed didn’t appear to be a factor. Nothing could have prepared people for that blizzard of 16 years ago, but it’s safe to say we’re better prepared now than we were then.
If road conditions in the area deteriorate, however, the mine might close early or delay opening.
Governor McCrory said state agencies began preparing for the storm Tuesday.
NCDOT has staged extra equipment and personnel near typical travel trouble spots along I-77 in Surry County; I-40 in McDowell County and I-26 in Polk and Henderson counties.
In order to avoid situations like those seen in recent times in Atlanta, Georgia and Washington, DC State Troopers will be checking all vehicles to see if they are abandoned or have people inside, tagging when they have been checked. Both orders are in effect for 30 days but could be canceled earlier if conditions warrant.
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However, Petro said most of central North Carolina will see mostly sleet and/or freezing rain.
