Key Highlights
- A Winter Weather Advisory was in effect from midnight Thursday to noon Friday for Graham, Swain, Haywood, Madison, Yancey, and Mitchell counties.
- Schools in the Enka and Erwin districts initially delayed their start times due to snow showers on Thursday morning.
- The blast of wintry weather impacted the morning commute with gusty winds and wind chill readings in the single digits and low teens.
Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Western North Carolina
A Winter Weather Advisory was issued by the National Weather Service, effective from midnight Thursday to noon Friday. The advisory covers Graham, Swain, Haywood, Madison, Yancey, and Mitchell counties, where residents can expect snow showers and gusty winds.
Impacts on Local Schools
The sudden onset of wintry weather prompted local schools in Enka and Erwin districts to switch to a Remote Learning Day by 7:18 a.m. Thursday morning. Snow showers initially delayed the start times, causing confusion among parents and students.
Commute Challenges
The blast of snow and gusty winds complicated the morning commute for many residents in Asheville, North Carolina. Wind chill readings stayed in the single digits and low teens, adding to the difficulty of travel. Gusts as high as 40 mph kept the Wind Advisory in place until 7 p.m., making driving conditions hazardous.
Extended Cold Spell
The snowfall tapered off by Thursday afternoon, but temperatures remained locked in the 20s throughout the day. A Cold Weather Advisory was issued for areas above 3500 feet, where wind chill readings ranged between -5 and -15. Temperatures were expected to fall back into the teens by Thursday night.
The community was urged to stay informed of weather updates and to take necessary precautions during this extended cold spell. Residents and drivers were advised to prepare for possible travel delays and to follow local school announcements regarding schedules and cancellations.