HOLDEN BEACH, N.C. (WNCN) — Snow and ice on the North Carolina coast was building up Tuesday night with bridges closed to three beach islands in the southeastern part of the state.
Up to 5 inches of snow is forecast in Wilmington with slightly less predicted in Brunswick County to the south.
A winter storm warning is in effect until Wednesday for the entire North Carolina coast.
At beaches in Brunswick County, heavy snow was coming down Tuesday night. Enough was falling at Holden Beach that children out playing were able to make snowballs.
But, the snow created slick conditions that shut down bridges to islands in Brunswick County.
Sunset Beach near the South Carolina line decided at 9:40 p.m. to close the only bridge to the island.
“The roads are becoming icy and the decision was made to close the bridge until conditions improve,” Sunset Beach Police said.
The same problem hit the only bridge to Ocean Isle Beach at 9:25 p.m., police said.
“Odell Williamson Bridge is closed to all traffic. Increased accumulation of winter precipitation has created unsafe traveling conditions,” Ocean Isle Beach Police said.
To the east, Holden Beach was forced to close the sole bridge to that island for about an hour Tuesday night, town officials said.
Just before 9:30 p.m. the bridge was closed after a “near collision and loss of control,” Holden Beach town officials said.
The bridge has a sharp turn as it comes onto the island.
However, after crews worked on the bridge for about an hour, it was able to open and was deemed “passable” by the town.
“Driving conditions are still very hazardous and motorists are encouraged to remain off the roadways. If conditions deteriorate, the bridge is subject to being closed again,” Holden Beach officials said.
