'Dangerous driving conditions' expected during snowstorm
The state Department of Transportation deployed nearly 500 vehicles Monday and Tuesday to spread 1.7 million gallons of salt brine on North Carolina's roads ahead of a storm that could dump as much as 10 inches of snow in some places.
Posted — Updated
Secretary of Transportation Tony Tata said his department transferred 54 vehicles from the western part of the state to the eastern half in anticipation of the winter weather.
Salt brine is a water and salt solution that is 23 percent salt and helps keep ice from bonding to the pavement. By putting down the brine Monday, the salt had more time to adhere to the roads, providing better protection from snow and ice, according to the DOT.
Travelers are asked not to call 911 or the state Highway Patrol for road conditions so the lines can remain clear for emergency calls.
Gov. Pat McCrory is asking drivers to stay off the roads, if possible. He declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm and lifted restrictions on heavy trucks so they can deliver needed supplies. Some National Guard units had already been activated and are ready to go, officials said.
"We are prepared for likely power outages and dangerous driving conditions throughout our state," McCrory said.
WRAL reporter Adam Owens reported seeing ice on bridges in Wilmington Tuesday evening.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport spokesman Andrew Sawyer says about 70 percent of flights in and out of the airport have been canceled for Tuesday due to the storm. He said he expects the cancellations to increase overnight and into Wednesday morning.
"Anyone meeting someone here tonight or planning to fly out early in the morning should definitely check with the airlines," Sawyer said.
U.S. Airways, Delta and United airlines have canceled flights at Fayetteville Regional Airport Tuesday afternoon and evening. The cancellations include overnight and early departures, and the airlines don’t plan to begin service until late morning Wednesday.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for much of central and eastern North Carolina – including Wake, Johnston and Cumberland counties – until midday Wednesday as the storm organizes along the East Coast.
The State Highway Patrol advised drivers to avoid being on the roads if possible.
If you must drive in ice and snow, take these precautions:
- Make sure your battery and cellphone are fully charged
- Fill your gas tank
- Pack bottled water and a blanket in the trunk
- Increase your following distance. You should allow about four car lengths for every 10 mph
- Drive slower than the posted speed limit
- Don't use cruise control
- Stay in cleared lanes, or follow in the tracks of other vehicles where possible
- Don't try to change lanes
- Let your foot off the gas
- Don't slam on the brakes
- Steer into the skid
- Get to a safe place
- If you get stuck, turn on your flashers so rescue and emergency crews can find and help you.
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
