With arctic air that's forecasted to grip most of the country as Christmas nears, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has signed a state of emergency to activate the state’s emergency operations plan.

In the Triangle, WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said Friday will feature the coldest air we've seen in a long time with temperatures dropping into the 20s by the afternoon. Many areas will see overnight lows in the teens.

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In western North Carolina, the threat of icy conditions lingers with Christmas Eve and Christmas day temperatures struggling to get above freezing.

Locally, lows will drop into the low 20s over the weekend, and highs will be in the low 30s -- near freezing -- so it could be the coldest Christmas morning in decades,

“We know that with the extremely low temperatures North Carolinians will need propane and other heating fuel to keep their families warm,” said Governor Cooper. “While propane supplies are strong in the state, there is a limited supply of licensed commercial truck drivers, which is being further exacerbated by COVID and flu outbreaks. The State of Emergency will help ease some restrictions and allow heating fuel companies to keep up with demand."

The State of Emergency waives transportation regulations, helps first responders and restricts price gouging at businesses.

To stay safe, North Carolina Emergency Management advises to:

  • Pay close attention to your local forecast and be prepared for what’s expected in your area.
    • Keep cell phones, mobile devices and spare batteries charged.
      • Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio or a weather alert app on your phone to receive emergency weather alerts.
        • Dress warmly. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.
          • Store an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first-aid kit and road map.
            • Gather emergency supplies for your pet including leash and feeding supplies, enough food for several days and a pet travel carrier.
              • Do not leave pets outside for long periods of time during freezing weather.
                • Look out for your friends, neighbors and the elderly during winter weather.

                  For more information, you can visit readync.govReadyNC.