State of emergency NC | Major winter storm with snow, ice wintry mix could hit North Carolina; price gouging law activated

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Governor Josh Stein has declared a State of Emergency as our state is under a winter storm watch.

He held a media briefing Thursday to provide updates and guidance for North Carolinians.

The system could cause hazardous driving conditions, especially on bridges and overpasses, damage to tree limbs from ice accumulation and long-lasting power outages. Those in the southwestern part of the state are likely to experience major impacts.

“This weekend’s winter storm is likely to impact most of North Carolina, so please make a plan now to keep yourself and your loved ones safe,” said Governor Stein during the briefing. “A State of Emergency is in effect, and our State Emergency Response Team is activated and ready to assist impacted communities. The most important thing you can do right now is prepare for potential power outages and have emergency supplies ready.”

The State Emergency Response Team has been activated ahead of the storm’s arrival Saturday:

• Over 1,600 NCDOT crews and contractors have been pre-treating roads, restocking salt supplies and getting ready for the storm. Crews have placed over 800,000 gallons of brine on state-maintained roads across the state.
• The state agency will continue to monitor the storm’s expected impacts to roads and is ready to plow and treat snow. The chainsaw crews will be deployed to cut and remove downed trees and debris from roads and work with utilities.

The governor has also directed the waiver of certain transportation regulations for vehicles supporting emergency response efforts across the state.

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“Winter storm watches have been issued for most of the state with impacts from this storm expected to last into early next week,” said Director of Emergency Management Will Ray during the briefing. “We will continue to work with the entire State Emergency Response Team – local and state governments, the private sector, and our non-profit and volunteer partners – as the forecast continues to evolve to ensure we can support our 11 million North Carolinians.”

“We urge people to get prepared now for what’s shaping up to be a very cold period for our state,” said State Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson during the briefing. “Please don’t try to drive once the storm hits unless it’s necessary. Please protect yourselves, your families and everyone responding to this storm by being patient and playing it safe.”

Roadway conditions are expected to deteriorate early Saturday and could remain hazardous for several days after the storm due to the sustained subfreezing temperatures that are expected throughout the next week.

Price Gouging Law in Effect

Attorney General Jeff Jackson has implemented the state’s price gouging law. This comes after Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency ahead of this weekend’s winter storm.

North Carolinians can report price gouging to the Department of Justice at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or online.

“When severe weather impacts our state, North Carolinians should be able to focus on their safety, not excessive price hikes,” Jackson said. “Report suspected price gouging to our office, and we will take action against businesses that take advantage of this winter storm to rip people off.”

North Carolina has a strong price gouging law, which prohibits charging excessive prices during a crisis, and takes effect when the governor declares a state of emergency. Once the law is in place, businesses and individuals may not charge prices for goods or services they sell or rent that are unreasonably excessive under the circumstances while the state of emergency is in effect. In some cases, businesses may adjust prices to account for higher costs or the impact of critical events on their operations.

However, they may not raise prices unreasonably to boost profits and should clearly disclose any reasonable increases to customers before a purchase is made.

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