Gusty winds, bone-chilling temperatures and the possibility of snow and sleet in some locations has prompted the N.C. Department of Transportation to issue a travel advisory for the Christmas weekend.

DOT is urging travelers to check real-time driving conditions on its website before taking to the road throughout the holiday weekend, according to a news release.

A winter storm could make travel dangerous in the state from the mountains to the coast, the news release said.

DOT has more than 2,200 employees who are trained to use hundreds of trucks to remove snow and ice from roads, the release said, and the agency has prepared its trucks and equipment in advance of the storm.

“Our staff is ready to clear roads of snow and debris as needed, but travelers need to be prepared, too,” said J. Eric Boyette, DOT secretary. “This storm could make it quite dangerous to be outside driving. Everyone should be prepared and be safe.”

For those who choose to travel this weekend, DOT offers these safety tips:

  • Be sure your vehicle is running well, has at least a half tank of gas and is equipped properly for changing conditions.
  • Keep on hand a supply kit with an ice scraper, extra windshield wiper fluid and anti-freeze, as well as a first-aid kit, blankets, flashlights, drinking water, and a basic automotive tool kit with jumper cables and flares.
  • If possible, leave early for your destination.
  • Allow extra time for your trip, regardless of the route.
  • Drive slowly and maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles. 
  • Approach bridges and overpasses with caution as they may accumulate ice first.
  • Come to a complete stop and yield the right of way when approaching an intersection where traffic lights are not working. Treat this as a four-way stop.
  • Other tips can be found on DOT’s “Driving in Winter Weather” webpage.
  • For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.

To ease travel, DOT will temporarily halt most construction activity along major highways during Christmas weekend, the release said. 

Construction on interstates, federal highways and key N.C. routes will be suspended from Friday morning until Tuesday evening to help reduce delays, the release said. 

Construction also will be halted starting the morning of Dec. 31 through the evening of Jan. 3 for the New Year’s Day holiday. Some projects will continue with work that doesn’t affect travel lanes, according to the news release.

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