Drivers urged to stay home this weekend as NCDOT prepares for snow in the Cape Fear
CASTLE HAYNE,NC (WWAY-TV) – The winter storm is forecast to impact much of the state including the Cape Fear this weekend. The North Carolina Department of Transportation began mobilizing its salt trucks on Wednesday ahead of the forecasted snow.
“Right now, were really concerned with what’s going to be hitting us this weekend,” said Alex Whitely, NCDOT engineer. “This one could impact us pretty well we’re doing our best to get prepared as best we possibly can.”
Since Wednesday, 35 salt trucks have been taking on 6,000 miles of pavement in the Cape Fear region. Those salt trucks fill up with brine, a water and salt solution which leave behind white streaks on roadways.
The NCDOT has 4,000 tons of salt on hand ahead of this weekend’s storm.
“The department statewide as been able to get 24,000 tons of salt spread out through the state,” Whitley said.
Whiley said drivers should avoid getting out on the roads at all this weekend with concerns for snow and high winds.
“Stay at home and enjoy the weekend, enjoy some time at home with your family and give us a chance to get out and do some work Sunday afternoon, Monday, Tuesday and try to get some things to where we can move around,” Whitley said.
The NCDOT is prioritizing major roadways such as Interstate 40, I-140, US 17 and US 421 including access to hospitals other areas critical to public safety.
“And until those are clear it’s gonna be a while until we get to the lower level tier roads on our system,” Whitley said.
Meaning, if you live in a neighborhood, it’s gonna be awhile before you see a snow plow. On Thursday, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm.
“It looks like its going to be snow not ice this time, that’s a good thing, but it’s still going to have real impacts on our lives so if you can stay home Friday night and bundle up, we recommend you doing it,” Whitley said.
The NCDOT said as of Thursday, crews had placed more than 950,000 gallons of brine statewide and more than 150,000 tons of salt ready to go.
Whitley said they have 50 snowplows ready to work around the clock after precipitation falls in the Cape Fear.
“All we can do is wait and see what mother nature dishes out and we will respond accordingly,” Whitley said.
The city of Wilmington said they have three snowplows operational if the area receives snow. Residents are also discouraged from sledding on the municipal golf course as it damages the greens.
