Winter Storm Updates: School is cancelled on Tuesday for some WNC counties
What we covered here
- Some major roads clear: Precipitation has stopped in much of Western North Carolina as crews work to clear the roads and make travel conditions safe.
- Drive cautiously: Officials continue to advise caution as snow and ice across Western North Carolina melts on the roadways. Many main roads and highways are cleared but secondary roads could remain hazardous.
- FEMA deadline extended: On Saturday afternoon, FEMA announced that it would again extend the check-out deadline for thousands of people to stay in Western North Carolina hotels after being displaced by Hurricane Helene.
Got a great photo of you or your pet in the snow? We're collecting photos from our community — learn how to submit yours.
Far-western North Carolina school are cancelled on Tuesday as icy conditions continue
In far-western North Carolina this weekend’s snow continues to cause icy and hazardous conditions particularly on secondary roads. Public Schools in Macon, Jackson, Clay, Swain Cherokee Counties as well as Cherokee Central Schools on the Qualla Boundary are all closed on Tuesday.
“These conditions are not only hindering bus transportation, but are also limiting the number of staff able to travel safely,” Swain County Schools explained on Facebook.
You can continue to track conditions on NC DOT’s Drive NC.gov.
Secondary roads could be icy, some WNC schools closed on Monday
Officials continue to advise caution as snow and ice across Western North Carolina melts on the roadways. Many main roads and highways are cleared but secondary roads could remain hazardous.
Dry and cold conditions are expected through next week with a dry arctic cold front passing through the state Tuesday which will help reinforce cold temperatures, according to a press release from the NC Department of Public Safety. Officials say there is potential for additional precipitation at the end of next week ahead of a cold front.
This weekend, between 1 and 6 inches of snow accumulated across the region with high elevations and the far western counties seeing the most snowfall.
School is closed for many far western counties since roads continue to be hazardous. This includes Macon, Jackson, Swain, Graham and Haywood County Schools which have all announced closures or a remote learning day for students on Jan. 13.
Blue Ridge Parkway closed until winter road conditions improve
Over the weekend all of the sections of the parkway that were previously open closed as a result of the winter weather. Blue Ridge Parkway External Affairs Specialist Leesa Brandon explained that the parkway is usually closed for safety reasons during winter weather.
“As of Sunday morning, all sections on the Blue Ridge Parkway are closed but we have our staff out there accessing, watching the weather and re-accessing. They will open those sections that can be open as soon as safe passage is available,” Brandon told BPR.
Brandon reminded visitors that high elevations will receive more snow and could be inaccessible for a longer period after this weekend’s snowfall compared to low elevations where the snow could melt quickly.
She said following the damage on the parkway after Hurricane Helene, visitors are advised to be especially cautious and stay out of closed areas.
“We don’t really know what the winter is going to mean for storm damage on the parkway. We are watching additional trees fall, we are seeing some slide areas growing. We know that the landscape continues to be fragile,” Brandon said.
“We want to keep the public safe and one of the ways that we can all work together for the swiftest repair of the parkway is to respect those closures.”
You can stay up to date about closures on the parkway on the park service website.
ART resumes Sunday, FEMA extends hotel stays until Jan. 14
Around 200 households in the region are without power as of 6 p.m. on Saturday, according to Duke Energy.
Secondary roads and roads in shaded areas are still hazardous but some services will be open on Sunday. Asheville ART Transportation Service will resume Sunday at noon.
On Saturday afternoon, FEMA announced that it would again extend the check-out deadline for thousands of people to stay in Western North Carolina hotels after being displaced by Hurricane Helene.
"Due to continued extreme winter weather, FEMA is extending the Transitional Sheltering Assistance hotel stays until Jan. 14," FEMA tweeted Saturday.
The additional extension comes after an initial 24-hour extension granted by the agency on Thursday. Read more about BPR’s reporting on FEMA’s hotel assistance program.
Some major roads clear but officials encourage caution
Precipitation has stopped in much of Western North Carolina as crews work to clear the roads and make travel conditions safe.
NC DOT live cameras along Interstate-40 show that the highway is clear.
The Great Smokies Mountains National Park (GSMNP) announced that some visitor centers are open but warned drivers to be careful.
“Please drive with caution as there may still be ice on roads. Many park roads are currently closed. Park staff are working to clear roads and reopen them as they safely can,” GSMNP wrote on Twitter.
The Sugarlands and Oconaluftee visitor centers opened at 11 a.m. today but the Cable Mill Visitor Center in Cades Cove is still closed.
Duke Energy reports that about 300 households are without power after the storm. Most of these homes are located in Macon County with less than 100 in the eastern Buncombe County area.
BPR readers share photos of their homes, pets in the snow
This weekend, Western North Carolina was blanketed with the first substantial snowfall of the season.
BPR asked readers from our 14-county coverage area to share photos of their homes, pets and snow accumulation with us. Here are some of the photos we received.
Want to submit yours? Email them as an attachment to info@bpr.org or DM them to @blueridgepublicradio on Instagram.
Be sure to include your name and where the photo was taken.
Winter storm warning extended along NC/TN border through Saturday afternoon
Winter storm warnings in high elevations along the North Carolina and Tennessee border are extended through Saturday afternoon. The National Weather Service advises that the counties in this region could continue to see snowfall and should take caution. Snowfall is expected to continue until noon in these counties including Swain, Haywood and Yancey counties with the potential for up to three more inches of snow.
Winds are expected to pick up across the region with a maximum of 30 to 40 miles per hour at the peaks. These winds are expected to end Saturday evening.
Black ice and other winter conditions on the roads are expected through Sunday night especially in areas with freezing temperatures or shade. Officials encourage extreme caution on these icy roads.
As of 9 a.m. on Saturday morning, Duke Energy is reporting over 2,000 customers without power. The majority of those customers are in the Highlands/Cashiers area in Macon and Jackson Counties. The Town of Highland’s livestream of Main Street shows an icy and quiet downtown. Watch the video here.
Highlands Mayor Pat Taylor said Saturday morning that power restoration is expected this evening.
Many government offices and businesses across the region remain closed due to the inclement weather.
Snow falls across the mountains
Across much of Western North Carolina, snow began to fall this afternoon. Many restaurants, businesses and schools closed due to the winter storm. Community members are sharing pictures of wintery white landscapes with BPR from across the region including Jackson, Macon and Henderson Counties.
Snow and sleet have both been reported which could result in icy conditions on roads.
NC DOT advises that the best advice for winter driving is: Stay home. Drive NC.gov shows real time videos of snow on the roads and incidents.
Duke Energy reported about a dozen power outages across the region at about 4:30 p.m. Find the full outage map here.
'Our greatest concern is road safety,' governor says
At a press conference in Raleigh Friday morning, North Carolina leaders briefed reporters on the state's preparations for the storm and the challenges facing the public.
“At this time, our greatest concern is road safety," Gov. Josh Stein said. "Please avoid traveling unless it is absolutely necessary."
Stein was joined by Director of North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) William Ray and Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins.
Saturday road conditions of high concern
Precipitation and freezing temperatures, Stein noted, "will make a mess of the roads on Saturday morning.”
Ray said that warming shelters are anticipated to open in Buncombe and Yancey counties on Friday night, and that the North Carolina National Guard has alerted more than 100 soldiers to assist emergency services in areas hardest hit by the winter storm.
He also reminded residents that power outages may occur "due to the weight of the snow or ice accumulation on tree limbs and power lines."
Hopkins told reporters that more than 1,900 Department of Transportation employees and contractors have been involved in pre-storm preparations and are standing by to help once the storm hits.
So far, NCDOT has used more than 3 million gallons of brine to pre-treat hundreds of roads across the state, Hopkins said. Over 160,000 tons of salt are ready for treating roads. Crews are also ready with snow plows and chainsaws, he said.
"Based on the forecast, travel could be impacted across much of the state. And with cold temperatures overnight for the next few nights, travel could be treacherous for several days in some parts of the state," Hopkins said.
FEMA hotel stay extensions
Stein also acknowledged the toll the storm is taking on Western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene. He said the state has asked FEMA to further extend its Transitional Sheltering Program for an additional day, through Monday.
"What we don't want is for even people whose homes are now safe and ready for them to be reoccupied — which is what happens at the end of the temporary shelter period — we don't want folks on the road," Stein said. "And so, the best thing for everyone is for FEMA to continue to extend for a couple more days this temporary shelter assistance so that people can stay where they are and not be on the roads."
Winter storm brings closures across WNC
Numerous storm-related closures and service changes have been announced including:
- FEMA Helene Disaster Recovery Centers: All FEMA centers in North Carolina are closed Friday and Saturday, Jan. 10–11. They will reopen at 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 13.
- Asheville Rides Transit (ART): ART services will be suspended starting at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10. If conditions improve, services will resume at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, and operate on a regular schedule until 6 p.m.
- Buncombe County offices, parks, libraries, and administrative offices will close at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10.
- Community Care Stations will remain open Friday and are scheduled to open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11.
- Yancey County government offices will close at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10.
Gov. Stein declares statewide state of emergency
N.C. Governor Josh Stein declared a statewide state of emergency in advance of the winter storm expected to start today.
“This storm will likely bring significant impacts from snow, sleet, and freezing rain in different parts of the state,” Stein said.
In preparation for the winter storm, NCDOT says it has begun salting some roads and that crews will work in 12-hour shifts to plow and treat snow and ice until all state-maintained roads are cleared.
Stein advised caution for those across the state who are expecting winter weather.
“North Carolinians should pay close attention to their local weather forecast, make sure they are prepared with what they need at home before Friday afternoon, and stay home if possible as ice on the roadways will likely create dangerous driving conditions,” Stein said.
The state of emergency activated state resources so that state agencies could start working together on storm response ahead of Friday morning. The designation also enables the potential of federal reimbursement if the storm qualifies.
Hazardous travel conditions are expected Friday and may continue until Monday morning, according to the governor’s office. This includes black ice, scattered power outages where the heaviest snow and ice accumulations are expected.
The N.C. Department of Transportation urges people not to travel during the storm unless it is absolutely necessary.
“State emergency officials are monitoring the situation and are prepared to assist the counties and municipalities if needed,” NC Emergency Management Director Will Ray said. “Residents across the state should be prepared to shelter in place. If the power goes out, be sure to operate generators outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.”
Visit ReadyNC.gov for information on winter weather safety and preparation. For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
Officials expect ‘wintery mess’ on Friday
In the North Carolina mountains, precipitation is expected to start as snow for everyone. However, warming temperatures on Friday will result in a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain.
In a Thursday evening update from the National Weather Service, officials explained that this warming effect will mean less snow but will not make the weather less dangerous.
The highest snowfall totals are expected across the southwest North Carolina mountains (in the Smokies, Balsams, and Nantahala Mountains) and above 3,500 feet with between three inches and 12 inches of snow expected depending on the altitude. The Asheville area is expected to see one to two inches with more in higher elevations.
These totals have come down in part because more of the precipitation is now expected to fall as sleet.
Officials warn that snow, sleet, and freezing rain will quickly make roads treacherous. Conditions will worsen rapidly due to cold surface temperatures from the past week.
“North and west of I-85, we’re looking at snow transitioning to sleet and eventually freezing rain—a wintry mess. For areas south and east of I-85, we anticipate major impacts from freezing rain,” officials said “These totals have increased, and they will put more stress on power lines and tree limbs, particularly those already vulnerable after Hurricane Helene.”
The warming of temperatures after the initial snow is known as the "warm nose." Essentially this is a pocket of warmer air aloft within a colder overall air mass that will push into the area, melting snowflakes as they fall and resulting in a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
In the far western zones, including northeast Georgia and the southwestern North Carolina mountains, precipitation is expected to start between 9 and 11 a.m. In the Greenville-Spartanburg and Asheville metro areas, it will begin between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the afternoon.
West of Asheville expected to see highest amount of snow
Highlands Mayor Pat Taylor says that the Macon County town hasn’t seen a snow storm since 2021. He says the town expects between four and eight inches of snow between Friday and Saturday.
“I would encourage you (to make sure) that you have plenty of food and fuel for your home. And also I encourage you to stay off the roads and avoid unnecessary traveling as we contend with the snow accumulation on the roads,” Taylor said in a video update.
Many schools - which also operated on delays or closures earlier this week - are expected to be closed.
All Jackson County Public Schools and Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) have already announced that they will be closed. CCS reminded the community to prepare with six storm tips:
Prepare for 72 hours relying on emergency supplies during winter storm
Ahead of the expected ice and snow storm, local leaders are urging residents to get prepared for at least 72 hours at home, with possible power outages and limited mobility on roads.
Here's a quick set of tips:
Stock Up on Essentials
Buy or stock up on food, water, pet supplies, and medications. Ensure flashlights and smoke detectors are in working order, and have spare batteries on hand.
Charge Your Devices
To stay connected during potential power outages, fully charge phones, laptops, and backup batteries before the storm begins.
Prepare Your Vehicle
If travel is unavoidable, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready. Equip it with snow tires or chains and pack an emergency kit with blankets, snacks, and water.
Generator Safety
For those using generators, place them at least 12 feet away from buildings, ensuring proper ventilation. Never operate a generator in an enclosed space such as a garage to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Travel Safety During the Storm
Roads are expected to become hazardous once precipitation starts. Residents are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel to reduce risks for both themselves and emergency crews. Untreated roads may remain dangerous with black ice through the weekend, even after precipitation has ended.
Power outages expected. Stay off the roads, officials urge.
Power outages are expected, particularly in areas where ice accumulation reaches dangerous levels, according to Duke Energy spokesperson Bill Norton who joined local leaders in a news briefing Thursday in Buncombe County.
“Power outages will happen,” Norton stated, urging residents to prepare for extended periods without electricity.
“We’ve positioned crews and equipment strategically to respond quickly if outages occur, but we urge customers to prepare as well.”
Norton also highlighted the extensive vegetation management completed since Helene, which has helped improve grid reliability.
“Our crews have been clearing vegetation and inspecting power lines to address vulnerabilities left by Helene. While this work has improved grid reliability, ice storms can still cause damage, particularly from falling trees and branches.
Ryan Cole, Assistant Director for Emergency Services in Buncombe County, highlighted the county's preparedness efforts during the briefing.
“Our first responders are ready and will be extremely busy once the snow and ice hit. We’re asking everyone to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, so we can focus on emergencies and keeping the community safe,” Cole said.
He also emphasized the importance of neighborly support: “One of the things this community does well is neighbors helping neighbors. During this storm, that might mean helping someone clear a sidewalk or ensuring they have the supplies they need to get through the weekend.”
Cole said the county is coordinating with the Red Cross to open shelters if necessary: “We have plans in place to respond to widespread power outages or emergency housing needs, and the Red Cross is standing by to assist.”
Asheville may see up to 2 in. of snow; 4 to 6 in. forecast in WNC mountains
Snow remains the headline for the imminent winter storm heading into Western North Carolina, but there are growing concerns over ice accumulation.
A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect, starting at 7 a.m. Friday.
Snowfall is expected to begin Friday morning, transitioning to a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain by Friday evening.
While snow totals have decreased slightly, the expected ice accumulation – particularly west and southwest of Intersate 40 – could lead to hazardous travel conditions and isolated power outages.
During a Thursday afternoon briefing, National Weather Service meteorologist Jake Wimberley explained: “Even though snow totals have decreased, sleet and freezing rain can form dense, hazardous layers of ice, making travel just as dangerous, if not worse.”
Here’s a quick look at the timing of the storm:
- Friday Morning to Early Afternoon: Snow begins across Western North Carolina
- Friday Evening to Early Saturday Morning: Transition to sleet and freezing rain, especially in lower elevations
- Saturday Afternoon: Precipitation tapers off, with lingering light snow near the Tennessee border
Snowfall Expectations:
- Mountains (Smokies, Balsams, Nantahala Mountains): 4–6 inches of snow.
- French Broad Valley (Asheville Area): 1–2 inches.
- I-40 to I-85 Corridor: 1–3 inches of snow and sleet.