Press Releases
UPDATE: Forsyth Correctional Center inmate Bobby Abraham (#1054681) was returned to custody Monday morning shortly after he left his work assignment in Winston-Salem at 7:40 a.m. Abraham returned to the facility at 11:06 a.m. He will face charges for his escape.
With some melting yesterday and temperatures on the rise again today, North Carolina’s interstates and major highways are in good shape, but many secondary roads and neighborhood streets are still treacherous. Governor Cooper urged everyone to be patient just a little while longer before venturing out and to drive carefully if they do.
As the winter storm that brought heavy snow to many areas in North Carolina moves out to sea, Governor Cooper continues to encourage people to stay off the roads. Overnight temperatures in the teens mean anything on the roads is frozen and will take some time to thaw. Snow and ice that melt today will likely refreeze tonight and create hazardous conditions Friday morning.
Despite temperatures reaching above freezing this afternoon and some snow starting to melt, roads remain slick across much of the state. Another night of below freezing temperatures will likely cause continuing hazardous travel conditions, Governor Roy Cooper warned.
The State Emergency Response Team has activated the Joint Information Center in response to the winter storm impacting most of the state.
Located in the State Emergency Operations Center at 1636 Gold Star Drive in Raleigh, the JIC will coordinate the release of information regarding state storm preparation and response. Individuals are on duty to gather the latest information and assist reporters interested in covering the state’s response to the storm. Additionally, state officials will use this center to conduct media briefings as needed.
With snow falling across North Carolina most of the day, Governor Cooper is reminding everyone to be cautious, and stay off the roads as much as possible.
"This snow storm may be moving a little slower than we thought, but that means its impacts on North Carolina will likely be even greater," Gov. Cooper said. "The snow is pretty, but it can be dangerous. If you don't have to brave the roads, please don't."
State troopers had responded to more than 700 service calls, including more than 500 crashes, as of this morning.
From the mountains to portions of the coast, snowfall amounts will continue to climb and temperatures fall creating more hazardous road conditions. Governor Cooper says the reports of traffic accidents have been increasing throughout the day and he continues to encourage extreme caution for those who must venture out.
As North Carolina braces for a second widespread winter storm in less than a month, Governor Roy Cooper today declared a state of emergency and urged North Carolinians to stay off the roads when travel becomes dangerous.
“Nearly all of North Carolina will be impacted by this winter storm, and we’re making sure North Carolina is ready,” Gov. Cooper said. “I urge all of our residents to be prepared and to stay safe.”
With the return of cold weather and the possibility of snow in the forecast for many parts of North Carolina, the state is making preparations and Governor Cooper reminded residents that they should be prepared for another round of winter weather.
Another round of winter weather is expected to cause hazardous travel conditions later today across the North Carolina mountains, foothills and portions of the Triad, Governor Roy Cooper cautioned North Carolinians this morning.