Government Leaders Warn: Stay Off Roads During Dangerous Winter Storm
Now that a severe winter storm is battering multiple states, forecasts are warning of escalating conditions, including wind gusts that will reach 80 mph. Based on how destructive the weather system is, many government leaders are asking the residents of their state to stay home and off the road.
North Carolina Leaders: Stay Home and Off Roads Through Early Next Week
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and Emergency Management Director Will Ray are urging residents to avoid road travel unless completely unavoidable. In official statements, the pair asked people to stay off the roadways through early next week.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein:
“Snow accumulation, strong winds and dangerously cold temperatures will make travel unsafe, so I urge people to prepare now and stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.”
Emergency Management Director Will Ray:
“All North Carolinians should be finalizing plans now and should be prepared to stay home and off the roadways starting tonight through early next week.”
Virginia Governor: Stay Off Roads From Saturday Night Through Monday Morning
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger is asking residents of her state to stay off the roads during and immediately after the ongoing storm. As an ABC 13 News Now article shows, Gov. Spanberger first asked people to avoid road travel on January 22, 2026.
Governor Abigail Spanberger:
“We are anticipating this storm to hit strongly later today. Every Virginian should stay off the road as of this evening, all day Sunday, and at least into Monday morning.”
Recently, the Virginia website has extended the state's request for the roads to stay clear. "Stay off the roads during the storm. Individuals with chronic conditions (like kidney failure) should reach out to their healthcare provider to make sure they have a care plan in place while travel is limited."
Georgia Officials: Avoid Travel This Weekend
On January 30, 2026, Georgia's official website issued a press release from the office of Governor Brian Kemp. That statement requested that people stay home and provided some guidance if travel cannot be avoided.
The Office of Governor Brian Kemp:
"Residents are urged to avoid travel in the most impacted areas whenever possible this weekend. For those who must travel, GDOT advises motorists to exercise caution and provide ample space for crews to continue treating and clearing roads."
South Carolina Governor: Stay Off Roads Unless Absolutely Necessary
On January 29, 2026, Governor Henry McMaster posted on X about the ongoing winter storm. While he noted that this weekend's effects may be less severe than last week's, he extended the state of emergency and asked people to stay off the roads.
Governor Henry McMaster:
"Stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. As a precaution, last Wednesday’s state of emergency has remained in effect for this weekend."
South Carolina is likely to see some dry fluffy snow accumulation ❄️❄️❄️❄️ and cold temperatures ????️ this weekend – great for outdoor fun, pictures, and snowmen ☃️☃️ – but not for driving.
— Gov. Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) January 29, 2026
Unlike last weekend, there’s no threat of deadly ice damage and extended power outages –…