Major Winter Storm Threatens North Carolina; Price Gouging Law Enforced
North Carolina is preparing for a significant winter storm, prompting Governor Josh Stein to declare a State of Emergency. This declaration allows for enhanced measures to protect residents from the impending weather. A media briefing is scheduled for Thursday at 11:15 a.m. to discuss the storm preparations.
“A winter storm is approaching, and now is the time to prepare,” said Governor Stein. He emphasized the importance of being ready ahead of the storm and encouraged residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. This is vital to ensure the safety of first responders and the general public.
Storm Preparations and Road Safety
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is actively preparing for the winter storm. Crews are pre-treating roads, bridges, and overpasses with brine. They are also restocking salt supplies and ensuring that all equipment is fully operational for storm response.
As conditions are expected to worsen early Saturday, North Carolinians should be mindful that hazardous roadway conditions may persist for several days. Sustained subfreezing temperatures will likely follow the storm throughout the week.
Price Gouging Law Enforced
In conjunction with the State of Emergency, Attorney General Jeff Jackson has activated the state’s price gouging law. This legal measure aims to protect consumers from significant price increases during emergencies. Residents are encouraged to report any instances of price gouging to the North Carolina Department of Justice at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or online.
- The price gouging law prohibits excessive pricing for goods and services once a state of emergency is declared.
- Businesses can adjust prices for legitimate increases in costs but must avoid unreasonable price hikes.
- Transparency with customers regarding price changes is required before any purchase is made.
AG Jackson stated, “When severe weather impacts our state, North Carolinians should be able to focus on their safety, not excessive price hikes.” This law aims to prevent businesses from exploiting the situation for profit while prioritizing consumer protection during the winter storm.
Residents are urged to stay informed and prepared as North Carolina braces for this major winter storm. Prioritizing safety and adhering to guidelines can help mitigate the impact of the upcoming weather challenges.
