Governor Stein and officials provide updates ahead of winter storm

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WWAY News,

Stein Winter — Governor Josh Stein and other officials discuss winter storm 1/30/26 (Photo: The Office of Governor Josh Stein)

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — On Friday, Governor Josh Stein held a briefing to provide updates and guidance as a winter storm approaches North Carolina.

Stein was joined by NC Department of Public Safety Secretary Jeff Smythe, NCDOT Secretary Daniel Johnson, NC Emergency Management Director Will Ray, NC State Highway Patrol Colonel Freddy Johnson, and Major General Todd Hunt of the North Carolina National Guard.

“Snowfall is expected to impact much of North Carolina this weekend, which could disrupt daily life for several days,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Snow accumulation, strong winds and dangerously cold temperatures will make travel unsafe, so I urge people to prepare now and stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. I’m grateful to the emergency and first responders who have been working their tails off to keep us safe through these back-to-back weather events. Please continue to stay informed, take precautions, and check on your neighbors as we work together to get through the days ahead.”

A Winter Storm Warning will go into effect locally from 1 a.m. Saturday to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Winds will increase by Saturday afternoon and wind chills could drop to the single digits.

On Thursday, Stein declared a State of Emergency.

“All North Carolinians should be finalizing plans now and should be prepared to stay home and off the roadways starting tonight through early next week,” said Director of Emergency Management Will Ray. “Please check on your family, friends, and neighbors, as well as those in your community who may need additional support. We are going to see significant winter storm impacts this weekend, and we are stronger and more resilient together.”

As of Friday morning, about 1,400 NCDOT employees had spread more than 2.6 million gallons of brine on interstates, highways, and other well-traveled roads across the state.

“We fully expect road conditions to deteriorate very quickly once the storm arrives, and conditions could remain treacherous well into next week,”said State Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson.“We’re going to be working hard throughout the storm, but we need people to enjoy the snow from home so our crews can clear the roads.”

At 6 a.m. Friday, the NCDOT and State Highway Patrol activated immediate towing statewide. North Carolina law allows officials to immediately tow abandoned or disabled vehicles from roads and shoulders.

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