A winter storm in central North Carolina prompts a warning for hazardous conditions, with snow, sleet, and potential power outages expected.

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.

Gov. Josh Stein declared a state of emergency for North Carolina on Thursday before Friday’s winter storm.The announcement was made on Thursday, Jan. 9, about 20 hours before forecasts predicted winter weather to begin moving into the Carolinas.

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

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.