Winter storm keeps troopers very busy

CHARLOTTE, NC — This winter storm has had North Carolina State Troopers going non-stop. They've responded to twice as many calls as they would on a typical day and then some. Ice along a ramp from I-85 to I-77 caused a crash Thursday morning.

[Icy roads, snow melting away as temps continue to rise] 

Oddly enough, James Stover had just hauled about 5,000 gallons of brine from West Virginia to treat Charlotte's icy roads and happened to be stuck in the traffic jam. Eyewitness News Anchor Blaine Tolison asked Stover, "Now, you're stuck in traffic because of ice?" Stover said, "Yes, exactly. I should have got out about an hour sooner."

Thursday morning was the start of another extremely busy day for North Carolina Highway Patrol. As the snow fell Wednesday across the Charlotte area, Troopers worked 344 calls. On a typical day, they work less than half that. Still, most Troopers took it in stride. Trooper Ray Pierce said, "This is just another day at work."

The Governor's State of Emergency declaration allowed them to beef up staffing to keep up. "Troopers that should be off are working today," said Pierce.

Troopers found cars broken down and abandoned -- others stuck in snowy ditches. They say most of the problems have been on back roads and interstate ramps.  Along a ramp in West Charlotte from West Boulevard to I-77 Southbound, we found evidence that somebody slipped off the ramp, destroyed a sign, and then slid down an embankment. Troopers say the sunshine actually causes more problems. Trooper Pierce said, "Once the day is a little bit nicer; they're increasing their speeds failing to realize there's still ice on the road."

Ice like this is common in places like West Virginia where Stover is from. He knows how much drivers here appreciate his truck load of brine.

NCDOT has listed more information on severe weather and safety tips

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