An overnight winter storm forced local government offices and schools to shut down today.

As of this afternoon, major roadways are drivable, but secondary roads remain snow-covered and caution should be exercised when driving.

Roanoke Rapids Police Chief Chuck Hasty said the major concern is overnight when black ice is expected to form on roadways. “You can expect that when the temperatures drop below freezing. The sun is helping us out but take your time.”

There were no wrecks reported in Roanoke Rapids. “So far we haven't had any. People have heeded the warnings,” Hasty said.

While there was plenty of sand to go around, Roanoke Rapids City Manager Joseph Scherer said there wasn't that much salt. “We didn't have that much to begin with. In some places there is still a layer of ice underneath powdered snow.”

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said the sheriff's office will assist emergency workers to and from work — that includes nurses and doctors.

In nearby Hertford County one storm-related traffic fatality was reported Monday night.

At approximately 7:40 p.m., the Highway Patrol responded to a two car vehicle collision on Highway 561 near Grant Mitchell Road just outside of the city limits of Ahoskie.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the driver, identified as Mykayia Quintara Wilder, 19, of Ahoskie, was traveling east Highway 561 when she lost control. The vehicle traveled left of center after losing control on an ice covered roadway before colliding head-on into a passenger vehicle operated by Brian Keith Matthews, 34, of Henderson.

Based on the preliminary investigation, it appears that winter weather was a contributing factor in this collision. Speed and alcohol was not a factor.

As of this report the only cancellation reported is the city has cancelled its Let's Can Hunger food drive pickup for Friday based on the dangerously cold temperatures predicted for that morning.

Hasty said the city will make the final pick up on February 27.

He said citizens can still drop off the canned food, diapers and coats at City Hall, Fire Stations 1 & 2, Public Works, TJ Davis & Chaloner Recreation centers.

Citizens can call 252-533-2810 to let the city know there will be items on the front porch.