Winter Storm Hits Wilmington, NC: Bridges Closed, Schools Canceled

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – A winter storm swept through Wilmington on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Winter Storm Warning from 9 p.m. Tuesday until 8 a.m. Wednesday. The storm brought heavy snowfall, hazardous road conditions, and widespread disruptions across the region.

“Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes,” the National Weather Service warned. Residents were advised to keep emergency supplies, including flashlights, food, and water, in their vehicles.

By 10 p.m. Tuesday, snow had already coated many roads, leading to the closure of two Brunswick County bridges. The Holden Beach Bridge was reopened briefly but remained hazardous, while the Mannon Gore Bridge at Sunset Beach was closed due to deteriorating conditions. “Driving conditions are still very hazardous, and motorists are encouraged to remain off the roadways,” said Mayor Alan Holden in an email.

The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office reported that the wintry mix was “coming down hard,” with conditions worsening rapidly. The Odell Williamson Bridge at Ocean Isle Beach was also closed due to unsafe traveling conditions caused by snow accumulation.

Snowfall began in Wilmington around 5 p.m., with up to six inches expected overnight. The National Weather Service noted that if the area receives more than five inches, it would mark the largest snowfall since the 1989 Christmas blizzard. Temperatures dropped into the low 20s, with wind gusts reaching 16 mph.

Residents reported cellphone outages affecting AT&T and Verizon customers, though no internet outages were reported. The University of North Carolina Wilmington canceled all classes and closed its campus through Wednesday.

Local authorities and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) worked to prepare for the storm. NCDOT crews began spraying anti-ice solutions on roads Sunday and urged drivers to stay home once snow and ice began falling. “Watch out for NCDOT vehicles treating roads,” said Blake Jacobs, New Hanover County NCDOT Maintenance Engineer.

Schools in New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties announced schedule changes due to the storm. The National Weather Service advised residents to dress warmly, stay hydrated, and take breaks while shoveling snow to avoid injuries or heart attacks.

As the storm continued, the weather service predicted the highest accumulation rates Tuesday night, with precipitation ending Wednesday morning. “Very cold air will persist through the week,” the service warned, urging residents to protect people, pets, and pipes from the freezing temperatures.