NC governor declares state of emergency as winter storm could bring ice, snow and wintry mix

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

Thursday at 11:15 a.m., Governor Stein will hold a media briefing to provide updates on storm preparations.

“A winter storm is approaching, and now is the time to prepare,” said Governor Stein.

“Please get ready. Get everything you need in advance of the storm and have a plan in case your power goes out. I encourage all North Carolinians to stay home and off the roads this weekend unless absolutely necessary so first responders can do their jobs safely and effectively.”

NCDOT crews and contractors have been busy over the past few days pre-treating roads, bridges, and overpasses with brine, restocking salt supplies, and making sure equipment is ready to respond to the storm and its aftermath.

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.