Area road crews prepare for dual-threat winter storm

Gov. Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency ahead of winter weather that’s expected Wednesday afternoon and encouraged officials to prepare for low temperatures.

Crews at area salt yards like the one near High Point began brining the interstates Monday.

The salt and water solution will help when the snow falls, says Derek Dixon, a state Department of Transportation maintenance engineer for the Guilford-Alamance County region. 

But this storm comes with a dual threat. The National Weather Service predicts a wintry mix, which could mean ice on top of the snow. Dixon says that combination creates a dangerous situation for drivers.

"The snow gets packed on top of the trees. Ice will get on top of that, and then we have issues with trees falling, and then it really makes the roads a lot worse, travel-wise," he says.

The region had gone a few years without a major snowstorm but this is the third time this season crews have needed to prepare for winter weather.