CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (January 22, 2025) – Carteret County Government offices and facilities will remain closed to the public on Thursday, January 23, as winter precipitation and freezing temperatures continue to impact the county. The winter weather, which began Tuesday evening and persisted through Wednesday, is expected to linger into Thursday, creating hazardous conditions. This closure includes the Carteret County Courthouse, all government offices, the Leon Mann Jr. Enrichment Center, Carteret County Area Transportation Services (CCATS), the Register of Deeds office, libraries, solid waste convenience sites, and the tax office.
Essential public safety services, including the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Services, will remain operational without interruption. Residents are reminded to use 911 only for emergencies.
While precipitation subsided Wednesday afternoon in most areas of the County, residents are urged to exercise extreme caution due to the likelihood of refreezing overnight. Ice is expected to form on roads as partially melted snow and ice refreeze, making travel hazardous. Residents are encouraged to stay off the roads if possible. If travel is necessary, drive slowly and cautiously. Driving at posted speeds could be extremely dangerous on icy roads. Vehicles may lose traction in these conditions, which could result in a serious accident. Residents are urged to avoid secondary and less-traveled roads, which are more likely to remain untreated and pose additional risks.
“Our top priority is the safety of our community,” said interim County Manager Sharon Griffin. “We are grateful to residents for heeding the warnings and staying off the roads. This will allow crews to clear and treat the roads efficiently, and will also help ensure that first responders can reach emergencies more quickly and effectively. Please continue to stay safe and warm by following the tips provided.”
For those who must travel, it is critical to take the following safety precautions:
- Check weather forecasts and road conditions at drivenc.gov.
- Ensure vehicles are free of snow and ice before driving.
- Pack an emergency supply kit with water, food, blankets, extra clothing, a flashlight, a shovel, and extra money.
Dangerously cold temperatures will persist as an arctic air mass continues to blanket the region. Daytime temperatures are unlikely to rise above freezing until Thursday afternoon, with another drop below freezing expected Thursday night. Residents can protect themselves from the cold by:
- Dressing in layers and covering exposed skin.
- Limiting time outdoors.
- Keeping homes warm by closing blinds and curtains.
- Staying hydrated and consuming energy-rich foods.
- Taking extra precautions to protect vulnerable populations, such as checking on elderly neighbors and ensuring pets are kept warm indoors.
For additional preparedness tips, visit ReadyNC.gov. Weather updates are available at weather.gov/mhx.
Carteret County residents are encouraged to stay informed about local conditions and announcements by visiting the county’s social media page, following Carteret County Emergency Services on Facebook at facebook.com/CCES7, or monitoring local news outlets.
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