Governor Cooper declared a State of Emergency for all 100 counties as North Carolina prepares for a major winter storm expected to hit the state starting Saturday.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam also declared a state of emergency in advance of the winter weather effects on southern Virginia.
“Virginians should take all necessary precautions to ensure they are prepared for winter weather storm impacts,” said Governor Northam. “I am declaring a state of emergency to ensure localities and communities have appropriate assistance and to coordinate state response to possible snow and ice accumulations, transportation issues, and potential power outages.”
Parts of North Carolina are forecast to get up to 18 inches of snow and ice Saturday through Monday along with gusty winds. Nearly all of the state is expected to feel some sort of impact from the storm.
“North Carolina is gearing up for a major winter storm and we’re taking all steps necessary to have the resources we need in place to respond,” Governor Cooper said. “Snow may be beautiful but it can also be treacherous and I urge North Carolinians to take this storm seriously and get ready for it now.”
Declaring a State of Emergency also activates state law against price gouging, or charging too much for goods and services during an emergency.
Governor Northam authorized a maximum of $500,000 in state sum sufficient funds for state and local government’s mission assignments authorized and coordinated through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management that are allowable as defined by The Stafford Act. This funding is also available for state response and recovery operations and incident documentation.
The order also provides authorization of an amount estimated at $500,000 for matching funds for the Individuals and Household Program, authorized by the Stafford Act (when presidentially authorized), to be paid from state funds.
