Pender County Closures
Due to freezing temperatures and hazardous road conditions, all Pender County government offices will open with a two-hour delay on Friday, January 24. Offices will open at 10:00 a.m.
The Holly Shelter Shooting Range will remain closed through Friday, January 24.
GFL will operate the Pender County Transfer Station from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025. Convenience sites in Hampstead, Rocky Point, and Willard will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Please stay safe, warm, and limit travel to essential trips.
State Agency Closures:
- Department of Motor Vehicles Driver License office in Burgaw -This office has suspended road skills testing due to hazardous road conditions in the area. Customers with road skills test appointments will be rescheduled. This office will accept scheduled appointments from 8 a.m.-12 p.m., and will accept walk-in customers from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Customers with appointments will be rescheduled. Online services are available at http://MyNCDMV.gov.
- Pender County Courthouse will be closed Friday, Jan. 24. If you have a scheduled court matter you will receive notice in the mail of the new date.
Weather Updates
The National Weather Service in Wilmington shared its latest briefing, noting that dry weather is expected through the weekend, but temperatures will remain below normal, leading to icy conditions on roadways. Refreezing is expected overnight as temperatures dip into the lower teens. You can find weather updates from the National Weather Service (NWS) Wilmington on their website at weather.gov/ilm. For more detailed information, you can also check their weather briefing at weather.gov/ilm/briefing.
Drivers are urged to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel. Hazardous conditions will persist, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads. Pedestrians should also exercise care, as slips and falls remain a leading cause of injuries during winter storms.
NCDOT crews are working tirelessly to treat and clear roadways. If you see crews brining or plowing, give them plenty of space to work safely.
Safety Reminders
If you must drive, follow these precautions:
- Scrape all snow and ice off your windows and mirrors.
- Slow down and maintain plenty of distance between vehicles.
- Avoid using cruise control.
- Watch for black ice, especially in shaded areas and on bridges.
If you’re walking, use extra caution on sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways to prevent slips and falls.
For more safety tips N.C. Department of Public Safety and the N.C. Department of Transportation.
Black Ice: What You Need to Know
Black ice, a thin, transparent layer of ice on the road, often looks like wet pavement and forms when melting snow or ice refreezes.
While the NCDOT works hard to treat areas prone to black ice, it remains unpredictable and difficult to detect until it’s too late.
The Best Advice:
Avoid driving unless it’s absolutely necessary. The safest way to avoid black ice is to stay off the roads entirely.
If Driving Is Unavoidable:
- Drive at a slow, cautious speed.
- Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
What to Do If You Start to Slide
Stay Calm: Keep yourself from panicking.
- Braking: Avoidusing the brakes unless necessary. If braking is unavoidable:
- For anti-lock brakes (ABS), apply steady, firm pressure.
- For non-ABS brakes, pump the pedal to prevent the wheels from locking.
- Regain Traction: Allow your vehicle to slow naturally until you regain control, then accelerate gently.
- Rear-Wheel Skid:
- Steer in the direction the rear of your vehicle is sliding.
- Focus on regaining control rather than fixating on obstacles.
- Front-Wheel Skid:
- Shift into neutral and avoid steering until the vehicle slows.
- Once traction is regained, steer toward your intended path, shift back into gear, and accelerate smoothly.
- General Rule:
If your vehicle begins to slide, take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the slide. Avoid braking, as it can worsen the skid.
Stay safe and vigilant, especially during icy conditions! For more safety tips on black ice visit NC DOT.
Power Outages
If you experience a power outage or notice downed electrical lines, report them directly to your electric provider. Crews may experience delays restoring power due to safety concerns during extreme weather.
Duke Energy Progress:
Four County Electric:
Winter Weather Safety
Below-freezing temperatures can pose risks to your family, pets, and property. Stay safe by following these tips:
- Stay indoors whenever possible.
- Download the Pender County Emergency Management App for the latest updates.
- Bring pets inside and move livestock to sheltered areas with access to non-frozen water.
- Use heating sources safely:
- Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything flammable.
- Avoid using stoves, ovens, or grills to heat your home.
- Only operate generators outdoors, away from doors and windows, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Protect your pipes by insulating them and keeping indoor temperatures warm. For more ways to protect your pipes.
- Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Keep your phone charged.
Pender County Emergency Management will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. For more information, visit pendercountync.gov or download our Emergency Management App for real-time alerts.
Stay safe and warm and limit travel to only when necessary.
