Winter storm hits Central North Carolina, bringing ice and sleet

Winter weather is leading to an even greater shortage in the blood supply.

The American Red Cross reports 200 blood drives were canceled nationwide and more than 7,000 blood and platelet donations went uncollected.

The Red Cross says there's a serious shortage of platelets and certain types of blood and without immediate action people who rely on transfusions could be at serious risk.

The organization is offering a gift card to anybody who gives blood before the end of February.

The organization is offering a gift card to anybody who gives blood before the end of February.

Doctors and first responders are warning about the dangers of icy conditions.

Hospitals say they are treating patients injured during the winter storm.

Duke Health seeing more people for slip and fall injuries.

Doctors at UNC Health and WakeMed say they have treated a number of children for sledding related injuries.

That includes broken bones, concussions, and some internal injuries all from sledding.

"The kids are not able to stop those sleds whatsoever. You know, when you have snow, you can actually put your feet in the snow, it causes some friction. There's no friction whatsoever with ice," said Dr. Daniel Park.

First responders also urging people not to walk on frozen bodies of water.

Thick ice does not form on lakes and ponds in North Carolina.

And taking the wrong step could result in a life-threatening situation.

Hospitals say they are treating patients injured during the winter storm.

Wake County Public Schools will hold remote learning on Wednesday.

WCPSS also held remote learning days on Monday and Tuesday because of black ice concerns.

Athletic and extracurricular events scheduled for Wednesday are also canceled.

Wednesday will once again be a remote learning day for Durham Public Schools.

Though most main roads are clear, many neighborhood and secondary roads, as well as school campuses, remain covered with ice.

All DPS extracurricular activities and events, including practices and athletic events, are canceled for Wednesday.

Wednesday will also mark the third consecutive day with remote learning for Orange County Schools.

All schools and facilities will remain closed. All athletics and after-school activities for Wednesday are canceled.

Officials said about half of the secondary roads in the county remain icy and hazardous for travel.

A decision has not been made about school on Thursday, and the district will make that announcement as early as possible on Wednesday.

Also, the K-8 Math Night scheduled for Thursday at New Hope Elementary has been rescheduled to March 19.

American Airlines said this was the most disruptive storm in the airline's 100-year history. American has canceled more than 9,000 flights and expects impacts to be felt for two more days.

American said 25% of its Tuesday flights are canceled. Across the U.S., more than 1,800 flights are canceled on Tuesday, with Dallas, Boston and New York hit the hardest.

Over 11,000 flights were canceled on Sunday, marking the highest day for cancellations since the pandemic, according to Cirium data.

-ABC News' Sam Sweeney