RALEIGH – Much of North Carolina is
feeling the effects of the latest winter storm, and North Carolinians should
follow forecasts closely as snowfall spreads across the state, Governor Roy
Cooper cautioned Monday.
"Be prepared for heavy snow at times and stay off the roads if you
can when conditions get bad in your area," Gov. Cooper said. "Even though the
forecast tells us this storm will be short-lived, driving could remain hazardous
tonight and tomorrow morning, especially on bridges and overpasses."
Snow
began falling in the mountains, foothills and Triad earlier Monday and was
expected to continue in the mountains throughout the day. By noon, there were
reports of 3 to 5 inches of snow across the far northwestern parts of the state,
1 to 2 inches in the northern foothills and between a trace to 1 inch of snow
across the Triad and areas north of Charlotte.
Meteorologists predict that snow showers will move into the
Triangle during the afternoon and eastern counties by evening. The latest
forecast calls for accumulations of up to 5 inches of snow in the mountains
(with larger amounts possible in higher elevations) and 2 to 3 inches in the
foothills, Triad and several counties north of Charlotte. The Charlotte area and
counties east of the I-95 corridor will likely see less than an inch of snow
with accumulations limited to grassy or elevated surfaces.
A Wind Advisory
and coastal Flood Advisory are in effect for the Outer Banks and Carteret County
through Tuesday afternoon where minor flooding is expected on the ocean side in
areas north of Cape Hatteras and along the sound side in Hatteras Village down
through Carteret County.
At least 40 school systems were closed Monday or dismissed early to
keep students safe. A number of community colleges, as well as Appalachian State
University, also have announced closings Monday.
N.C. Department of
Transportation crews are working to clear roads in mountain counties where it
began snowing early Monday morning. In other areas, NCDOT crews were ready to
respond to the varying forecast, from snow and ice across much of the state and
over wash along the coast.
Because rain fell immediately before it began snowing, crews were
not able to brine ahead of the winter precipitation. Along the Outer Banks,
equipment and crews are staged to push sand or ocean over wash off N.C. 12 as
needed.
Follow NC Emergency Management and NCDOT on
Facebook and
Twitter for the
latest storm updates. Real-time weather and road conditions, as well as winter
safety tips, can be found on the free ReadyNC mobile app or online at
ReadyNC.org.
Travelers are urged to go to DriveNC.gov for up-to-date roadway conditions. Motorists are
reminded NOT to call 911 or the State Highway Patrol Communication Centers for
roadway conditions.