McCrory approved of Tata’s absence during serious snow storm

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — Gov. Pat McCrory says he gave advance approval for his transportation secretary to travel out-of-state for a book tour ahead of a serious snow storm.

Transportation Secretary Tony Tata was back in North Carolina on Wednesday following criticism of his absence as his agency scrambled to respond the prior morning. Tuesday’s snow began to fall hours earlier than what forecasters had predicted and DOT crews had not yet treated many interstates and highways with salt. Two people died in separate accidents when their vehicles slid off slick roadways and struck trees.

Tata flew out Monday evening to Chicago to attend an event to promote his latest thriller novel. McCrory said Tata had scheduled the day off and was still available by phone to help coordinate the response effort.

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