NC DPS

With the possibility of icy conditions in the western part of the state and below average temperatures expected as an arctic mass approaches, Governor Roy Cooper signed a State of Emergency today to activate the state’s emergency operations plan, waive transportation regulations to help the transport of fuel and critical supplies, help first responders and protect consumers from price gouging. “We know that with the extremely low temperatures North Carolinians will need propane and other heating fuel to keep their families warm,” said Governor Cooper. “While propane supplies are strong in the state, there is a limited supply of licensed commercial truck drivers, which is being further exacerbated by COVID and flu outbreaks. The State of Emergency will help ease some restrictions and allow heating fuel companies to keep up with demand."

The State Highway Patrol expects the coming weeks to bring more vehicle traffic to our roadways with an increase in holiday travelers. This expected increase in roadway users will put a premium on the need for awareness, enforcement and education by the Patrol as it hopes to curb dangerous driver behaviors to include speeding, distracted driving and impaired driving.

RALEIGH – North Carolina is preparing for heavy rainfall and possible flooding on Friday and Saturday from the remnants of Hurricane Ian. Governor Cooper reminds residents that now is the time to complete their personal preparations. "While we don't yet know exactly how this storm will impact our state, it's clear that this will be a significant rain event for much of North Carolina and now is the time for people to get prepared," said Governor Cooper. "We are tracking the storm closely and strongly encourage everyone across the state to have an emergency kit and emergency plan in place."

Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms. They form from powerful thunderstorms. Tornadoes appear as rotating funnel clouds that stretch from a storm to the ground with swirling winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. Damage paths can be more than a mile wide and 50 miles long.