RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Winter weather returned to central North Carolina this week.
Gov. Josh Stein declared a State of Emergency during a Tuesday briefing.
Several weather alerts were issued for the ABC11 viewing area, including a Winter Storm Warning and Watch, and a Winter Weather Advisory.
A mixed bag, including snow, sleet, and freezing rain, developed Wednesday morning and increased into the afternoon. Precipitation will then taper off late Wednesday night. Another light batch is possible Thursday morning into the afternoon.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) sent dozens of trucks to treat roads early this week. Officials said they believe Wednesday's storm will be complex for crews and the response could be tricky. Utility crews are also on standby.
State Highway Patrol released new numbers on how many collisions took place during the most recent snow storm.
1,196 collisions were reported, with an additional 748 calls for service that are when vehicles are stuck, trees are down, or traffic signals are out.
One person died in a crash involving 53 vehicles on I-85 in Orange County on Wednesday.
If you have to drive this morning you should give yourself more time to get to your destination.
While most highways have been cleared of snow, side roads around the Triangle are still mostly ice.
With temperatures expected to stay below freezing this morning, road conditions are unlikely to change.
NCDOT crews are out with plows to keep the snow removal moving forward.
There could be more snow later this morning.
A winter weather advisory is in place until 1 p.m.
From Raleigh to Durham to Rocky Mount, there was sledding, snowball fights, and more delights for children of all ages.
Take a look in the video below.
A deadly crash has closed all lanes of I-40 West south of Hillsborough at Exit 261, Old NC 86.
One person died and several others were injured. About 50 vehicles were involved.
The road was originally expected to reopen by 6:30 p.m. but it remains closed at 9:30 p.m.
As a detour, drivers are asked to use Exit 279 B (I-85 North to I-85 South to I-40 West.
Roads in Orange County are very slick. You're urged to not drive if possible.
