RALEIGH – Gov. Bev Perdue said state staff and crews have spent much of the day planning and preparing for the winter storm scheduled to impact most of North Carolina this weekend. Weather forecasters say much of the state will likely receive snow, freezing rain or both beginning Friday afternoon and continuing through Saturday.

“North Carolina's Emergency Management office is one of the best in the nation, and they stand ready to respond to whatever weather event takes place this weekend,” said Gov. Perdue. “Transportation crews have treated roads, utility companies are already staging work crews, and our National Guard and law enforcement are on standby. The state is ready, and residents should be, too. Be prepared for a significant winter storm, and stay tuned to weather forecasts.”

Weather forecasters predict snow to begin in the mountains tomorrow afternoon and move across the state through the night and into Saturday. The mountains could see a foot or more of snow, the Triad is expected to get eight or more inches and the Triangle six to eight inches. Much of the central part of the state will likely have freezing rain on top of, or in combination with, the snow. Accumulations of more than one-quarter inch of ice, could cause tree limbs to fall and power lines to come down.

Citizens are urged to contact emergency officials only for emergency situations. Please do not call 911 or the State Highway Patrol for road conditions. The lines must remain clear for emergency calls. To check road conditions, please visit the N.C. Department of Transportation's Traveler Information Management System at www.ncdot.org or call 511.

Gov. Perdue offered the following safety tips in the event of a power outage:

• Do not use charcoal grills or generators indoors.
• Turn off electrical appliances that were on when the power went off to avoid a power surge when the electricity is restored.
• Use flashlights. Do not use candles; they greatly increase the chance of having a fire in your home.
• Limit your activities to no more than two rooms and close off unneeded rooms.
• Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors and cover windows at night to keep warm air in and cold air out.
• Remember to eat and drink regularly. Food provides the body with energy to produce its own heat.
• Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Wear layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Layering clothes keeps you warmer than a single layer of heavy clothing.
• Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.