Winter surprise in North Carolina: former northerners adjust to snow and ice

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.

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“(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.

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