A Surprise Snow Accumulation Last Night Leads to Closures, Delays and a Winter Wonderland This Morning

by Madison V. Fisler

March 7, 2014. Surprise, it’s a winter wonderland out there! Much of the High Country awoke to more than a few inches of the white stuff blanketing the area, with accumulations beginning early Thursday evening. Early this morning, main roads were still covered with ice reported in some areas of the High Country. As of 10 a.m. Friday, snow plow efforts have the main roads mostly clear, with small amounts of snow accumulation still left on side roads and gravel roads still covered in the white stuff. 

According to Ray’s Weather, the High Country experienced accumulations ranging from 4-8 inches overnight, and with continuing snowfall, an additional 1-2 inches can be expected this morning. According to Ray’s Weather Center, the snow should give way to light rain by noon today, and precipitation should stop by this afternoon. This weekend is still expected to be nice and warm, with highs in the 50s.

Linemen with Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation have been responding since very early this morning to outages affecting less than 80 members in Caldwell and Alexander counties. Scattered outages are also reported in Watauga and Wilkes with linemen responding currently.

Due to the weather, there are many closures across the High Country. Closures today include:

• Appalachian State University has cancelled classes for the day, leading to an early spring break for the students. Faculty and staff are required to report at noon. 
• Alleghany Schools are closed for the day
• Ashe County Schools are closed today with an optional teacher workday
• Avery County Schools are closed today. Eleven and Twelve Month employees may report on a two-hour delay or take an annual leave day. The YMCA Snow camp has been cancelled as well.
• Caldwell Community College’s Caldwell and Watauga Campuses are closed for the day
• Lees-McRae College is working on a delay until 10 a.m.
• Watauga County Schools are closed with an optional teacher workday
• Wilkes Community College is closed
• Wilkes County Schools are closed

According to Watauga County Roads and Weather Conditions, as of 7 a.m. the main roads and side roads are still a bit slick throughout much of the county, so if you have to travel this morning, travel with caution.

Check out these pictures of the winter wonderland this morning.

Photos by Ken Ketchie