Watch for winter storms and severe weather news
At least 25 North Carolina counties have declared a state of emergency and more than 41,000 homes are without power statewide, officials said at a news conference Sunday.
“North Carolina is currently feeling the effects of a winter storm that will continue to move through the state today,” North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said. “Up to 8 to 12 inches of snow has fallen in some counties and significant freezing is causing trouble in the central part of the state. Conditions vary across North Carolina and are dangerous in many areas. ”
Cooper said more than 41,000 homes and businesses are without electricity due to ice and wind. Some counties are getting ready to open shelters to accommodate places without electricity or heat, Cooper added. The 24 counties have also opened their emergency operations centers, said the state’s Director of Emergency Management Don Campbell.
North Carolina Secretary of Transportation Eric Boyette said. At least 200 collisions have been reported and teams are working “around the clock” to clear roads across the state, he added. Authorities recommend that the best way to avoid accidents “is to stay the same.”
High winds and rain have also affected the eastern part of the state and ferry services in the area have been suspended, Boyette said.
Cooper asked residents to please not accept any unnecessary chances with winter storms. “Rest assured and stay safe,” he said.