With winter weather expected to impact much of North Carolina this weekend, Gov. Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency and authorized a temporary transportation waiver to support response efforts ahead of the storm.

Issued in Executive Order 31, the declaration allows state agencies to respond more quickly as conditions develop and temporarily suspends certain weight restrictions for motor vehicles transporting agricultural commodities, livestock and poultry. Review the full declaration, including specific conditions and limitations.

What a state of emergency means

A "state of emergency" declaration gives state agencies additional flexibility to coordinate resources and temporarily adjust regulations in response to emergency situations (like significant weather events).These latest measures are intended to help farmers, communities and responding agencies prepare for and manage winter weather impacts across North Carolina.

What the transportation waiver does

Enabled under the state of emergency declaration as a means to reduce risks to people, animals and the food supply chain ahead of the storm, the transportation waiver:

• Temporarily suspends statewide vehicle weighing requirements for eligible agricultural loads
• Applies to vehicles transporting livestock, poultry and crops ready for harvest
• Is intended to prevent economic losses and protect animal welfare during severe weather conditions
• Does not remove safety requirements; vehicles must still operate safely and follow posted bridge and road limits
• Allows law enforcement officers to intervene if a vehicle poses a public safety risk

The goal is simple: give agricultural producers flexibility to move animals and products quickly and safely before the storm.

Disaster and emergency information for farmers

• NCDA&CS Disaster and Emergency Resources Disaster-related information and guidance for agricultural producers from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

• NCDA&CS Agriculture Emergency Hotline Call 1-866-645-9403 for assistance related to agricultural emergencies. Available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

What it means for the public

• A state of emergency does not automatically mean road closures or evacuations
• Conditions and guidance can change quickly as weather develops
• Residents should continue to follow instructions from local officials and emergency management agencies

Winter storms can affect more than travel. Power outages, food safety concerns and home heating risks often follow. N.C. Cooperative Extension works year-round to help families and communities prepare for situations like these.

Timely tools you can use

The following resources may be especially useful in the days ahead:

For real-time weather forecasts, road conditions and emergency instructions, residents should continue to follow guidance from local governments, emergency management officials and trusted weather sources, including the National Weather Service and ReadyNC.

For food safety information, agricultural production guidance and household safety tips before and after the storm, your local N.C. Cooperative Extension center remains a trusted source of practical, research-based resources that help North Carolinians stay safe and prepared year-round.