NORTH CAROLINA -- Governor Roy Cooper held a 10 a.m. news conference Wednesday for winter storm preparations.

He says nearly all of the state is under a winter storm warning, with nearly all school systems closed and state employees under the adverse weather policy.

Cooper declared a State of Emergency Tuesday and said that crews started brining and salting roads Monday.

Although major roads have been brined and salted, officials say the temperatures are expected to drop below freezing this afternoon and in the teens tonight, which will cause snow to freeze.

Some of Gov. Cooper's safety tips include:

  • Watching weather forecasts
  • Avoid traveling but drive safely if needed
  • Check on neighbors and friends, especially seniors
  • Bring pets indoors
  • Check heating sources (even though power outages aren't expected)

The governor says with snow amounts increasing for central North Carolina, the NC Department of Transportation may have to plow more roads but strongly urged residents to make crews' jobs easier by staying off the roads.

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