Snow Possible In Charlotte As Governor Declares State Emergency

CHARLOTTE, NC -- North Carolina’s governor declared a state of emergency for the eastern portion of the Tar Heel state Wednesday as Winter Storm Grayson began making its presence known along the Carolina coast.

The current forecast calls for what could be a healthy dose of snow in the piedmont and eastern portions of North Carolina. Counties in the northeastern part of the state could see as much as 8 inches of snow from the storm, according to the Raleigh News and Observer.

In the Charlotte-metro area, however, there was only a 30 percent chance of snow Wednesday with little to no accumulation expected, according to the National Weather Service.

Tuesday, Gov. Roy Cooper began urging state residents to prepare for the storm and said drivers should expect treacherous conditions on affected roadways.

“Snowfall amounts can be very hard to predict in North Carolina, as we saw in early December in western North Carolina,” Cooper said in a statement. “A small change in a storm’s track can make a big difference in how much snow falls and where.”

SEE ALSO: Brewing Winter Storm Potentially Affects Charlotte Flights

Frigid temperatures could complicate clearing roads, according to state officials. While Department of Transportation crews are treating roads, is can only be applied when temperatures are above 20 degrees because it could freeze to the roadway and create ice. The extremely cold temperatures in the evening present another batch of potential challenges, as it limits the effectiveness of salt melting snow and ice.

To be ready for winter weather, North Carolina Emergency Management officials urge you to:

• Dress warmly for the cold. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.
• Always keep at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food in your home.
• Keep alternative heating sources and fire extinguishers on hand. Be sure your family knows how to use them.
• Properly vent kerosene heaters and keep electric generators outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Do not burn charcoal or use a grill indoors.
• Use a NOAA Weather Radio or monitor local news media for changing weather conditions.
• Keep fresh batteries on hand for weather radios and flashlights.
• If your pipes are uninsulated, keep faucets open to a slow drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep pets inside, out of the cold.
• Download the ReadyNC app for more winter weather preparedness information.

The State Highway Patrol offers these tips for travel during winter weather:

• Store an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include a windshield scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first aid kit and road map.
• Keep your cell phone charged.
• Monitor fuel levels.
• Clear your windshield and other windows of snow and ice before traveling.
• Use headlamps and windshield wipers.
• Plan for delays and longer than usual travel times.
• Increase your following distance.
• Decrease your speed.
• Choose several routes as some roadways may be closed.
• Share your travel plans/routes with others.
• Always be aware of your location in case you become stranded.
• If your vehicle becomes disabled, stay inside the vehicle until assistance arrives.
• Contact 911 or *HP in emergency situations only. Visit DriveNC.gov for roadway conditions.

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