North Carolina Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency for the entire state in the buildup to a potentially hazardous winter storm expected to hit Rowan County on Wednesday.

According to the governor’s office, current weather projections indicate that a winter storm is anticipated to hit the state on Feb. 19 causing significant impacts.

“The projected winter storm will likely damage public and private property and seriously disrupt essential utility services and systems,” the declaration reads.

As explained by the governor’s office, the declaration encompasses the entire state since certain measures are “necessary to ensure the protection and safety of North Carolina residents and to coordinate the emergency response among state and local entities and officials.”

Several Rowan County municipalities are issuing similar warnings, advising residents to be weather aware.

Salisbury’s messaging was similar to Landis and added, “Don’t forget about your furry friends! Bring pets inside and keep them warm during the cold weather.

As explained in the governor’s declaration, the projected winter storm may result in extensive damage, including widespread power outages throughout the state that will require the vehicles bearing equipment and supplies for utility restoration and debris removal to be moved through North Carolina on the interstate and intrastate highways.

As a result, the declaration modifies some motor vehicle regulations.

“(Since) the uninterrupted supply of electricity, fuel oil, diesel oil, gasoline, kerosene, propane, liquid petroleum gas, food, water and medical supplies to residential and commercial establishments is essential,” as stated by the declaration, rules regarding the maximum hours of behind-the-wheel time have been waived.

Upon the recommendation of the North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture and with the “existence of an imminent threat of severe economic loss of livestock, poultry or crops ready to be harvested,” the governor directed the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (“DPS”) to temporarily suspend weighing vehicles used to transport livestock, poultry or crops ready to be harvested.

These suspensions do not permit the gross weight of any vehicle or combination to exceed the safe load-carrying capacity established by the North Carolina Department of Transportation

The declaration also triggers the prohibition against excessive pricing.