CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. -- Road conditions in Catawba County started deteriorating as day turned to night Wednesday.
Catawba County Emergency Services usually responds to a couple of calls about car crashes each day, but Wednesday its crews responded to dozens.
"The more people there are on the roads, the harder it is for those people to do their jobs,” said Karyn Yaussy, Catawba County emergency services coordinator.
Yaussy said the major concern heading into Wednesday night and Thursday morning is the icy conditions. She said many secondary roads are still difficult to drive on and some primary roads are icing quickly as the temperature drops.
In addition to that, she adds that emergency services are seeing issues on roadways and exit ramps where people cannot maintain traction. Parking lots and sidewalks are also covered across the county, and she recommends that people be careful when walking outside.
"Hopefully by 8-9 p.m. tonight, everyone will be safe in their homes,” Yaussy said.
Across Hickory, 14 snow plows and five salt trucks were out working to keep the roads drivable and will continue salting and sanding throughout the night.
Catawba County Schools, Hickory Public Schools and Newton-Conover City Schools will be closed January 18.