Gov. Josh Stein issued a state of emergency Thursday before this weekend’s winter storm hits North Carolina.

Stein's declaration is separate from the one he issued before last weekend's ice storm. The state of emergency ensures the state qualifies if federal is needed to respond or recover from this winter weather event and to activate the State Emergency Response Team.

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“If you can stay off the roads, you’re going to make their jobs a whole lot easier, a lot safer and you will be safe as well,” Stein said. “So, we really encourage folks to stay home starting Friday night.”

Central North Carolina is expecting 3-plus inches of snow this weekend, and there is a winter storm watch in effect.

“It looks like it’s going to be snow, not ice this time,” Stein said. “That’s a good thing.”

Stein also said the state was “lucky” the winter storm would hit on the weekend since there is less traffic compared to weekdays.

In advance of the winter weather, North Carolina Department of Transportation [NCDOT] workers will brine the roads. 

According to Stein, the state is expecting fewer power outages for the coming storm compared to last weekend's.

“That doesn't mean that there will not be power outages,” Stein said.

Stein is planning to hold another briefing on Friday about the forecast.

“These guys have been working for about a week and a half, almost nonstop,” Stein said of the NCDOT workers.

Stein added, “These guys are dedicated. They are working their tails off.”

Watch Thursday's news conference: Josh Stein, NCDOT outline preps ahead of expected snow in North Carolina

Stein said state employees have worked long hours in the past week or so. He said it's his understanding no one died in a traffic crash during last weekend's ice storm.

NC Emergency Management Director Will Ray said the state would look at the possibility of asking for more federal funding for the areas that endured higher costs from last weekend's ice storm.

“It was an emergency declaration, and what that did, based on the governor's request, was give us access to federal resources if we would need them for that event,” Ray said.

Stein added that he was "pleased" with the White House's response before last weekend's storm.

“They’re ready to saddle up and do it again,” Stein said of the state's workers in advance of the coming storm.