The North Carolina Department of Transportation says it is prepared should winter weather arise.

"We've completed dry runs over routes we might be clearing and prepared our salt brine plants and snow removal equipment for operation," said Bill Bass, district engineer for Nash and Wilson counties in a press release. "We're ready for any inclement weather that might arise."

A budget of $20 million per year has been set aside for snow and ice removal. According to NCDOT, tools used to keep roads clear include:
• Salt brine - first line of defense against snow and ice.
o Special salt and water solution.
o Keeps ice from bonding to pavement during first few hours of storm.
o Laid 24-48 hours before storm hits.
o Mixed in county maintenance yards across the state.
o NCDOT has 300,000 gallons of brine on hand.

• Salt
o Used to treat roads if ice and snow accumulate after salt brine applied.
o NCDOT has 111,000 tons of salt in storage statewide.
o In a typical winter, 50,000 to 60,000 tons used.
• Specialized equipment (statewide numbers)
o 1,900 trucks equipped with plows and spreaders.
o 325 front-end loaders and backhoes.
o 450 motor graders (used to push snow and slush).
o Pick-up trucks outfitted with snowplows.
o 3,200 employees prepared to assist with efforts.

To find out about road conditions, citizens can call 511, the state's toll-free travel information line, or visit the NCDOT website.