North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper warned state residents Saturday to wrap up their preparations ahead of this weekend's winter storm and to stay off the roads when the storm arrives.
"This weekend isn't the time to head out and see some winter wonderland," Cooper said. "Stay safe where you are. Getting out on dangerous roads could put your life at risk. It also gets in the way of first responders and road crews who will be hard at work trying to keep us safe."
Cooper added that North Carolinians should "finish doing what you need to do today. Tonight and tomorrow, it's time to hunker down and to stay safe."
Cooper declared a state of emergency on Friday and has activated the National Guard.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the state. The Charlotte region is expected to get 3 to 5 inches of snow between 9 p.m. and midnight Saturday. On Sunday, more snow is expected through 2 p.m. followed by rain and freezing rain through the rest of the day.
The National Weather Service also forecasts more snow on Monday.