Despite an average of 10 inches of snow, Northampton County faired the first winter storm of 2010 quite well.

According to Emergency Management Coordinator Tim Byers, cars in ditches made up most of the incidents around the county and no weather related damages were reported. He added there were no power outages.

“On average we (Northampton County) received an average of 10 inches,” he said. “It varied across the county; some places got nine inches, some 11.”

On Friday, Byers said citizens were warned via a message through the county’s Code RED emergency system of the impending winter storm that dumped snow and sleet across northeastern North Carolina and southern Virginia.

“We just reminded them to make sure they had enough food, medication and to check on their neighbors,” he said.

Byers said 2,000 blankets were given out by Northampton County Department of Social Services to needy citizens in case the power went out.

A Humvee team with the National Guard was dispatched to the Emergency Services Center in Jackson, but Byers said they were not sent on any missions.

Byers said the main concern was the ability to provide emergency services if the need arose. With the Humvee team on stand by if EMS could not get to a location, a medic could at least respond.

Fortunately, this was not the case. Byers said the Humvee team was sent back within 24 hours.

The inclement weather did cause closings and postponements. On Monday and Tuesday, Northampton County schools were closed for both students and staff. Additionally, the Northampton County Board of Education postponed their regularly scheduled meeting to Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Northampton County offices were also closed on Monday. The Northampton County Board of Commissioners have rescheduled their Monday meeting to Wednesday at 10 a.m.

As of 12 noon on Monday, Byers was readying to survey the conditions of the county roads.

Most main roads like Highways 158 and 305 were “pretty clear,” he said.

“DOT (Department of Transportation) has been doing a great job,” Byers said.

He added DOT’s job began Thursday, well before the storm. Secondary roads are now their target to be worked on.

Byers cautioned citizens about driving on the roads.

“If you’ve got to get out, just be cautious and let DOT do their job,” he said.