North Carolina Governor Inauguration Moves Online Due to Weather

North Carolina's public inauguration ceremony for Governor Josh Stein, scheduled for Saturday, has been canceled due to impending winter weather, with forecasts predicting 1 to 3 inches of snow and sleet. Stein, who recently took office after winning the 2024 election by a significant margin, will still deliver his inaugural address virtually at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025. The inaugural committee also canceled associated celebrations, including a block party and an open house at the Executive Mansion, although they hope to reschedule the block party. This cancellation follows a pattern of weather-related disruptions in past inaugurations, including those of former Governor Roy Cooper. Stein expressed his disappointment but emphasized that safety is his top priority. Previous governors have faced similar issues, with COVID-19 restrictions and adverse weather impacting ceremonies in recent years.