"Winter storms can disrupt power, communications and traffic," Easley said. "If a snow or ice storm is forecast, make sure you have enough food, water and medicine at home to last several days. It is critical that you stay off the road if emergency officials advise that it is not safe.

"Now is the time to make sure your home is stocked with emergency supplies," Easley added. "Preparation is the key to weathering these storms successfully."

Last December's ice storm knocked out power to more than 1.5 million North Carolinians from the mountains to the Triangle. A month later, one of the snowiest winters on record kept residents at home for several days until roads were cleared.

Even small accumulations of ice can cause extreme hazards to motorists and pedestrians, particularly when wet-looking spots on the road are actually ice. In one day during the December ice storm, the State Highway Patrol alone recorded more than 800 accidents across the state. That number does not include the number of accidents investigated by local law enforcement.

Citizens should make sure they have enough fuel for alternative heat sources such as fireplaces, wood stoves, and space heaters. They should use proper fuel, replace dead batteries in fire detectors and never use charcoal or gas grills indoors.

Jeff Orrock of the National Weather Service said the state's most dangerous winter storms come as a result of moisture from the ocean colliding with cold air from the North. "These low-pressure systems tend to intensify rapidly within a period of a few hours and can produce winds up to hurricane force, causing major damage along the coast while blanketing the state with snow," he said.

The National Weather Service issues winter storm Advisories, Watches, and Warnings. An advisory is issued when a light accumulation of freezing rain or sleet is forecast or if snow accumulations of one to three inches are expected. Winter storm watches and warnings are issued if a quarter of an inch of freezing rain, a half-inch of sleet or four or more inches of snow is expected. Watches can be issued as much as 48 hours in advance.

###