More than 11.1 million North Carolina residents are bracing for hazardous winter weather conditions this weekend, with wintry precipitation expected from Murphy in the west to Manteo on the Outer Banks. Emergency measures have been activated by Democratic Gov. Josh Stein, including the state’s price gouging law, as officials prepare for snow, freezing rain, sleet, and ice across much of the state.
Forecasts from the National Weather Service suggest a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain across major population centers, with road conditions expected to deteriorate in many areas despite limited snow accumulation. While some coastal and southern regions may see mostly rain, much of central and western North Carolina faces the potential for slick and hazardous travel through Sunday.
Gov. Stein’s emergency declaration allows for additional coordination and resource deployment. Attorney General Jeff Jackson invoked the state’s price gouging law, which prohibits excessive markups on critical goods and services during a declared emergency, including generators, fuel, and essential supplies.
North Carolina’s Department of Transportation, funded with approximately $60 million annually by the General Assembly for winter response, has begun treating roads with brine and salt. Brine treatment costs average $6 per mile, while road salt runs $15 per mile.
Key forecast highlights include:
- Asheville: Freezing rain starting Saturday, continuing into Sunday with lows in the low 20s and a Sunday high of 39.
- Charlotte: Sleet and freezing rain beginning Saturday afternoon with a Sunday high of 30.
- Greensboro: Chance of snow and sleet Saturday; heavy sleet possible overnight into Sunday with a low of 17.
- Raleigh-Durham: Mixed precipitation Saturday, with freezing rain and sleet expected through Sunday and a high of 33.
- Greenville: Freezing rain and sleet possible Saturday with additional rain on Sunday.
- Wilmington: Cold rain with mixed sleet expected; rain continuing into Sunday.
- Manteo (Outer Banks): Rain, snow, and sleet Saturday; rain Sunday with temperatures in the 50s.
Travel conditions across North Carolina are expected to worsen, particularly Saturday night into Sunday morning. State officials urge residents to remain cautious and prepare for potential power outages and transportation disruptions in affected areas.
