Winter Storm Forces Closures Across Southeastern North Carolina

SOUTHEASTERN N.C. (WECT) – A winter storm sweeping through southeastern North Carolina has prompted widespread closures and schedule adjustments for government offices, schools, and businesses on Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 21-22, 2025. The storm, expected to bring freezing rain, snow, and hazardous road conditions, has led local authorities to urge residents to stay off roads and exercise caution.

Belville Town Hall and the Belville Riverwalk will be closed Wednesday, while Brunswick County Emergency Services encouraged residents with special needs to register for assistance. The City of Whiteville, Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA), and the Town of Chadbourn also announced closures for Wednesday. CFPUA will close at 2 p.m. Tuesday and remain shut through Wednesday, with emergency services available via a hotline.

Southport city offices will close Wednesday, though administrative staff will work remotely. Public safety departments remain operational. Elizabethtown and Bladen County offices will close early Tuesday and remain closed Wednesday, with Bladen County canceling its Board of Commissioners meeting and court operations.

New Hanover County adjusted its hours, with essential emergency services continuing. The Wilmington City Council meeting will move to 9 a.m. Tuesday, and the Wilmington Municipal Golf Course will remain closed through Thursday. Kure Beach canceled its town council meeting, while Carolina Beach postponed its 2025/2026 Budget Open House to Jan. 28.

Brunswick County government offices and parks closed early Tuesday, with youth basketball programs canceled through Thursday. The Brunswick County Landfill and Convenience Centers remain open, but GFL Environmental will delay trash collection Wednesday. Senior centers managed by Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc., will close Wednesday and Thursday.

Columbus Career and College Academy will release students and staff at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Pender County’s court system will close Wednesday, and Pender County Schools will cancel classes for students and staff Wednesday, with a two-hour delay possible Thursday.

Dosher Memorial Hospital adjusted clinic and outpatient services schedules, closing most facilities Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday. Emergency and inpatient services will remain open. The University of North Carolina Wilmington and Cape Fear Community College shifted to remote operations Wednesday, with CFCC canceling all events.

Caswell Beach Town Hall will close Wednesday, and GFL garbage collection may be delayed. Holden Beach Town Hall will close early Tuesday, with meetings postponed. Leland facilities, including Town Hall and the Cultural Arts Center, will close Tuesday afternoon and remain closed Wednesday.

New Hanover County ABC stores will close at 3 p.m. Tuesday, and H2GO offices will close Wednesday, canceling a workshop meeting. Wilmington Health offices will close at 5 p.m. Tuesday and reopen at 10 a.m. Wednesday. The “Coffee with a Cop” event in Wrightsville Beach has been postponed.

Residents are encouraged to monitor local updates and avoid unnecessary travel as the storm progresses.