NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) -- A major storm is heading toward the Cape Fear region, with mixed precipitation expected. While the exact impact is still uncertain, the storm could bring a combination of snow and ice starting Friday and possibly lasting into Saturday.

In response, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has begun brining roads in several counties. This involves applying a salt-water solution to the roadways, which helps prevent ice from forming. Blake Jacobs, an engineer with the NCDOT in New Hanover County, explained that his team started preparing Thursday and will continue to monitor conditions as the storm develops over the weekend.

"We're just preparing. We don't know what we are going to get at this time, but we are ready. And if we get anything after the storm passes, if there is any snow accumulation or ice, we will be ready to tackle that as well," Jacobs said.

The NCDOT will keep a close watch on road conditions throughout the storm. Once the weather clears, they will begin the de-icing process to ensure roads remain safe for travel.