The winter weather storm that struck North Carolina yesterday has left snow and ice throughout the state’s northeastern counties, according to NCDOT.
N.C. Department of Transportation maintenance crews in the 14 counties within NCDOT’s Division One are currently responding to snow and ice on roads as far east as the Outer Banks, and as far west as Northampton County.
Most primary routes (N.C. and U.S. routes) are in fair condition in Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, Martin, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell and Washington counties; however, snow or ice still covers the roadway in many locations.
Maintenance crews in these counties spread salt brine on most N.C. and U.S. routes yesterday to prevent ice from forming and adhering to road surfaces. The brine did wash away in some areas where the storm started as rain. In areas where the storm began as frozen precipitation, the brine enabled maintenance crews to remove snow and ice from the road. Secondary roads in these counties are still seeing large amounts of snow and ice.
Crews will continue clearing roads and spreading salt in the region throughout the day; however, due to today’s anticipated low temperatures, melting of snow and ice may be minimal.
NCDOT advises motorists to be careful and follow the below safety tips if driving in winter weather:
• Clear windows and mirrors;
• Reduce speed and leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles;
• Approach bridges and overpasses them with extreme caution and do not apply your brakes while on a bridge unless necessary;
• If you begin to slide, take your foot off the gas and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide. Do not apply the brakes as that will cause further loss of control of the car;
• Come to a complete stop or yield the right of way when approaching an intersection in case any vehicles coming from other directions lose control of their vehicles while trying to stop.
• If you have a cellular phone, take it with you. You can contact the Highway Patrol statewide by calling *HP (*47) or call law enforcement in the event of an emergency by dialing 911.
• Travelers are asked NOT to call 911 or the State Highway Patrol for road conditions. The lines must remain clear for emergency calls.
