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Photo: Students Brave the Elements Between Classes; Grandfather Mtn. Experiencing Almost 70 mph Winds

By Paul T. Choate

Photo by Ken Ketchie

Oct. 29, 2012. As we welcome Hurricane Sandy’s impact into the area, many students at Appalachian State are out braving the elements around the campus today. The temperature in Boone is currently 32.4 degrees with a 23.3 degree wind chill.

Luckily, as of present, it looks like all AppalCARTs are still on the roads running regularly scheduled routes, so that might provide some students with momentary relief as they go to and from classes. 

Most people that are used to High Country weather can handle cold weather and even sub-freezing wind chills, but what about extreme conditions? Grandfather Mountain provides an example of the extreme, with the current temperature at 26 degrees and a wind chill of zero degrees. 

According to park representatives, the top of the mountain is closed off today. Wind gusts are nearing the 70 mph mark, with gusts of 68 mph already being recorded today. There has not been very much snow accumulation, however, as the wind is not allowing for it.

To view Grandfather Mountain’s live-updating weather, visit grandfather.com/current-conditions.