(GDN) — The NCDOT is preparing for whatever Mother Nature sends our way this weekend.
This past week, workers at the N.C. Department of Transportation in Wayne County started preparing the local roads ahead of the winter storm that is expected to hit the state primarily on Sunday.
Luther Thompson, the Wayne County Maintenance Engineer for NCDOT, says they’ve already laid down the salt brine on the major four-lane divided highways, such as U.S. 70, U.S. 117, and I-795.
Next was the other primary routes, including Highways 55 and 111.
DOT was also pre-treating some of the secondary roads that are main thoroughfares.
Once the storm track and arrival become clearer, Thompson says they call the crews in and position the equipment throughout the county.
If the storm does hit with snow and ice, Thompson says the best advice is to just stay off the road.
If you must travel, Thompson says take your time and leave plenty of distance between you and other vehicles.
Thompson suggests drivers watch the temperatures overnight and be aware that black ice can quickly form on the roads once those temps drop below freezing.
According to the National Weather Service, a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is expected to begin late Saturday night and continue through Sunday afternoon before changing to rain. Precipitation could end early Monday morning as a mix of rain and snow.
