Crews already busy ahead of storm

In New Hanover County crews have been on a 24-hour operation at the main DOT facility in Castle Hayne since early yesterday morning.

They’ve been working hard all day long spreading a salt-water solution on main highways. This lowers the freezing point of water to -6 degrees, preventing snow from sticking at the start. Once the snow does begin to stick to highways overnight, crews are ready in full force to be out and plow the highways.

The cleanup process is much easier if people stay home and off the roads.
“The best advice for anybody out there today is to stay home, enjoy your loved ones in the rare event that’s about to happen,” DOT Maintenance Engineer Jerry Taylor said, “and give us some time to get out there, get the roads cleared and give us a little room when you see a truck out there.”

DOT trucks will be busy working through the night and through tomorrow until roads are clear.

One thing that will be a major concern even after the storm has come and gone. Tomorrow afternoon much of the snow will melt in the sun, meaning road will still be wet. Those wet roads will refreeze Saturday night as skies clear and temperatures dip back into the 20s.

This is going to be a winter weather event worth watching all weekend long. The good news? Sunday will be sunny.