Gov. Josh Stein declared a statewide state of emergency Jan. 9, ahead of a winter storm expected to pass through North Carolina starting Jan. 10.

HENDERSON COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) — Storm preparations are underway in Western North Carolina. Crews there are not only preparing for the chance of snow and ice on the roadways, but are still cleaning up from Hurricane Helene. At the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Henderson County Yard, crews have been preparing for a winter storm.

Governor Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency for North Carolina in anticipation of severe winter weather.

North Carolina’s public inauguration ceremony scheduled for Saturday for new Gov. Josh Stein and other statewide elected officials has been canceled because of approaching winter weather

North Carolinians should pay close attention to their local weather forecast, make sure they are prepared with what they need at home before Friday afternoon, and stay home if possible as ice on the roadways will likely create dangerous driving conditions.

Preparations are underway across the region for the possibility of snow and ice on Friday. ALSO READ: Icy conditions impact roads in North Carolina mountain communities The North Carolina Department of Transportation told Channel 9′s Dave Faherty it was too cold in Burke County to put down the saltwater mixture Wednesday afternoon – they’re concerned it could freeze.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is preparing for any winter weather that comes into the state.