RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Thousands of people relocate to North Carolina each year, with many new residents leaving colder climates in search of snow-free living, only for last winter to remind them that snow shovels are still necessary.

Victoria Suda, who relocated from Michigan to the Triangle, was surprised by snow and ice last week.

“I had people from, like, Germany and like California and like Ohio message me and asked me what I was going to do,” she said. “And so I was like, this must be a national story. So, I was a little more nervous.”

Suda noted that ice accumulation was the most concerning, but this weekend’s winter weather is bringing more snow and less ice.

“I have enough food in the house, and I don’t think I’m going to probably worry as much or stress,” Suda continued.

Lori Gottberg, a long-time North Carolina resident, recalls her first winters in the Triangle after moving from New England.

SEE ALSO: Gov. Stein declares state of emergency in NC as another winter storm closes in on the Triangle

“(I) spent most of the first half of my life in New England with a lot of snow, and I liked the first winter when we moved down here like this is great, you know, we could wear shorts,” she said.

This winter, however, there are no shorts in sight. She is dressed in warm coats and sweaters.

“I still think everybody needs to be careful,” Gottberg said.

And those aren’t the only notes the former northerners shared.

“If you’re nervous overnight about pipes freezing, just like try to run the water a little bit, like just keep the faucet on,” said Suda.

Wise words from the snowbirds who flew south but not far enough to avoid the frigid temps.

“Just be mindful of it. There’s still ice out there,” said Gottberg.

SEE ALSO: Restaurants preparing for second weekend in a row of winter weather

The North Carolina Tar Heels have been one of the most successful programs in college basketball for decades. Over the past few seasons, the program has struggled with consistency and success at times.

That holds true for this season, as the Tar Heels have experienced stretches of losing, dropping three of four games earlier this month. On the other hand, there have been flashes of how elite this team can be when demonstrating their brand of basketball. That was on full display against Virginia last weekend, as North Carolina’s performance in the second half was arguably the best 20 minutes they have put on film this entire season.

A major reason for the team’s success on Saturday and on the season, in general, is senior guard Seth Trimble. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound guard had his best outing of the season, producing 16 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals while shooting 5-of-6 from the floor, including 2-of-2 from three-point range and 4-of-6 from the free throw line.

While speaking with a media outlet on Tuesday, Trimble discussed the importance and significance of North Carolina’s culture.

Trimble’ Thoughts

• “On the players end, when you want to protect traditions and you want to keep what a former player has built, and you don’t have those four-year guys, you don’t have those guys that have come in here, have learned the culture, have learned the history, and you don’t have them to teach the other guys, it alters the program a bit, you know?,” Trimble said.

While coaching is essential to have success in any level, Trimble acknowledges that the head coach can only do so much. The success of the team hinges on the on-court performance from the players.

• “So, a coach can’t do it all by himself – they can, but it’s hard to,” Trimble said. “But it always helps when you have those player-led groups that can help carry that tradition and teach things that the alumni taught us and stuff like that. So as much as it affects them, I feel like it affects programs as well.”

With player movement continuing to dictate the roster-construction process each and every year, Trimble, who is a four-year player, understands that everyone’s path is different.

• “If I could tell student athletes to just take their time,” Trimble said. “What’s right for them is going to be right for them through one year, but just not to rush things. Especially with transferring, too, the grass isn’t always greener.”

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