Winter conditions throughout the Cape Fear region

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY)–In Whiteville, snow covered lawns, fields, and some parking lots. Overall, the roads were mostly clear, with only small patches of ice on some rural roads. In Whiteville, most of the snow was loose and not covered in ice, making it fall apart.

We spoke with several people getting last-minute items at Harbor Freight, who spoke about what they got, and their thoughts about dealing with the conditions the storm will likely create.

“We got some heating blankets because we just got some baby goats that were born the last couple days, so we are bringing them inside of the house to try to warm them up,” said one shopper.

“I actually lived in Chicago for a little while; I was there for an actual blizzard. It’s crazy because everything shuts down here, people don’t know how to drive, you got to be careful,” said one Whiteville resident.

In New Hanover County, little to no snow fell during the day, but Senior Emergency Management Specialist, Jason Fuller, says people need to be ready.

“Throughout the county driving, we have to remember the conditions that we are actively seeing could change rapidly as people progress 5, 10, 15 miles down the road as they leave their house,” said Fuller.

In addition to New Hanover County, the National Guard put snow chains on its vehicles, and mobilized in Clinton, Edenton, and FarmVille, totaling about 105 people in 44 vehicles.  That will help cover cape fear and up the coast.

The focus is roving patrols, sticking to larger main corridors, and avenues. They are looking to assist those stranded drivers. Captain Daniel Erickson says the National Guard trains for these types of emergencies.

“We’re here to help with really anything that our fellow North Carolinians ask of us, particularly moving personnel from homes to safe areas. It could be hospitals, warming shelters, and or moving commodities such as food, water, and blankets, to those that are in need,” said Erickson.