How Brunswick County weathered the ice storm
The weekend's winter storm may not have brought a lot of precipitation to Brunswick County, but a coat of ice and sleet have made many roads unsafe for travel Saturday.
The Brunswick County Sheriff's Office reported several roads throughout the county, including U.S. 17 and N.C. 211, were icing over throughout the night.
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According to the National Weather Service, cold temperatures with highs in the 40s continuing into Saturday could mean icy roads could linger until slightly warmer temperatures are expected Sunday.
Temperatures are expected to drop to the mid 20s again Sunday night, meaning ice could remain on roads until Monday when highs in Brunswick County are expected to be in the low 50s.
Many Brunswick County town officials are encouraging people to stay home unless absolutely necessary.
According to a press release from the town of Belville, the Brunswick Riverwalk will remain closed until conditions improve, with the ice and snow resulting in hazardous conditions.
“Several accidents have occurred in our area due to black ice as well as falling limbs," Mayor Mike Allen said in the release. "Please keep our roadways clear for utility crews and first responders.”
In Oak Island, as of 11 a.m. both bridges remain passible by smaller vehicles using "extreme caution," according to a town Facebook post. But larger and heavier vehicles may not be able to make it over, the post stated.
One commercial truck was stuck on Swain's Cut bridge this morning, temporarily shutting it down while crews removed the truck. It has since been reopened.
"Sidewalks throughout Town remain iced over, and most all park facilities are not useable at this time," the post read. "No power outages or damage to Town infrastructure has been reported."
In Ocean Isle Beach, the Odell Williamson Bridge remained closed Saturday morning due to ice accumulation creating hazardous conditions, according to a post on the town's Facebook page.
According to the Southport Police Department's Facebook page, ice was starting to melt on some streets, but officials still suggest staying home due to dangerous conditions.
Officials advise calling 511 or visiting drivenc.gov for road conditions rather than calling 911.
Reporter John Orona can be reached at 910-343-2327 or jorona@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Brunswick County roads in icy conditions following the winter storm
