CHARLOTTE — A winter storm swept through the Charlotte area, bringing unexpected snow and leading to numerous road closures on January 22, 2025. Residents awoke to find the city blanketed with several inches of snow, altering the morning commute and catching many by surprise.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings about treacherous driving conditions, advising, "Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning commute." Visibility was limited and drivers were seen taking extra caution as they navigated through the snow-covered streets.
Union County officials responded swiftly to the dangerous conditions, with Union County Manager Brian Matthews stating, "Our top priority is the safety of our employees and residents. With these weather conditions, we have made the decision to close county offices to help everyone stay off the roads and remain safe." All government facilities, libraries, and transportation services were announced to be closed on January 22, with services expected to resume the following day.
Schools across the district also followed suit, with no remote instruction provided for students and employees operating on optional telework. Union County Judicial Center canceled court schedules for the day, though emergency hearings were still conducted. This precautionary measure reflects the significant impact of the storm on the area.
Throughout Charlotte, many residents ventured outside to enjoy the winter wonderland, with snow covering sidewalks and cars. Local resident Mark Abrams shared his thoughts, saying, "Having lived here for 35 years, this is unusual. Now, we got snow... this counts... this is real snow." The surprise snowfall brought joy to some but posed challenges for others, especially those reliant on the roads.
Among those still on the road, truck drivers like Kenan Mehmeti continued their routes, though he regaled the importance of caution. "Just drive slow, and make sure the truck is in good condition, has good tires, and pay attention to the other people," Mehmeti said as he fueled up at Windmill Travel Center. Trucking during such weather requires extra diligence, especially when stopping becomes more hazardous. Mehmeti noted, "9-10 seconds in good weather to stop, but in this condition, maybe double."
Another truck driver, Kurt Winasted, echoed this sentiment, sharing, "I just take my time, no hurry; the equipment can be replaced, the appointments can be changed, but my life is my number one priority." His insights highlight the precarious nature of driving during adverse weather, where safety must always come first.
Residents and local officials alike were urged to stay informed about weather conditions and refrain from unnecessary travel. The NWS reminded individuals, "Slow down and use caution. The updated road conditions can be obtained by calling 511." They emphasized preparedness, encouraging residents to keep their vehicles stocked with winter essentials and always exercise caution.
Though the storm brought disruptions, it also served as a reminder of the community's resilience and ability to adapt. While recovery and de-icing efforts continue, the widespread impacts of the winter storm highlight the importance of safety and communication as residents navigate these icy conditions.