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Snow, Temperatures Continue To Drop Monday, Schools Out, Overnight DOT Crews on Hand in Watauga, Avery

N.C. 105 early Monday morning. Photo by Ken Ketchie
N.C. 105 early Monday morning. Photo by Ken Ketchie

By Jesse Wood

Jan. 6, 2013. With snow continuing to fall on Monday morning and the temperature steadily dropping, Avery County Schools and Watauga County Schools have cancelled classes. 

RaysWeather.com notes that tonight will be the coldest it has been in nearly 20 years and forecasts wind chills of 30-below zero in most of the High Country and 50-below zero along the mountaintops. See the National Weather Service’s Winter Storm Warning, Wind Chill Warning, and Hazardous Weather Outlook

Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation posted on its Facebook page that no power outages have been reported: “We don’t have to tell you it’s cold! But thankfully there are currently no outages. If you do experience an outage, please call our PowerLine: 1-800-448-2383. Take care if you’re outside today! Check on the elderly, your pets and anyone who may need assistance during this extremely cold weather.”

With snow falling in the High Country, the N.C. Department of Transportation will have overnight crews in Ashe, Alleghany, Avery and Watauga counties for snow and ice removal. 

“The rapidly falling temperatures have the potential to create slippery conditions on roads. Motorists are asked to slow down and stay alert as they’re traveling through the area,” a Monday morning release stated. 

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The road conditions of N.C. 105 at about 9 a.m. on Monday. Photo by Ken Ketchie

 

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The road conditions of N.C. 105 at about 10 a.m. on Monday. Photo by Jesse Wood

 

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A snowplow on N.C. 105 Bypass. Photo by Jesse Wood

 

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A horse stays warm with a blanket in Western Watauga. Photo by Jesse Wood

 

Downtown Boone at nearly 11 a.m. on Monday. Photo by Ken Ketchie
Downtown Boone at nearly 11 a.m. on Monday. Photo by Ken Ketchie