Snowstorm hits the Carolinas

**Friday 11:40 a.m. Update**

Western Carolina University officials have decided to cancel the fall commencement scheduled for Saturday because of the storm.

Graduating students who had planned to participate in the ceremony at Ramsey Regional Activity Center will be allowed to take part in May commencement ceremonies instead, said WCU Chancellor John W. Bardo in a news release.

**Friday 11:10 a.m. Update**

The South Carolina Highway Patrol says U.S. 25 is back open to traffic again after it was closed earlier Friday morning. Two tractor-trailers stalled out earlier in the morning that closed the highway from Gap Creek Road to the North Carolina state line.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol reports there have been 226 accidents in the western part of the state so far Friday. A normal total on a clear day in that region is around 40 according to troopers.

**Friday 10:54 a.m. Update**

Before the storm is over on Saturday, accumulations could be around 8”-14” through the central and northern mountains, 3”-6” in the western mountains, and 2”-4” totals into the southern areas.

Upstate areas north of Interstate 85 will see a mix of rain, sleet, and snow. There is the potential to pick up an inch or two of accumulation before precipitation lightens up overnight.

Precipitation starts as rain in the Upstate Friday, but turns into that mix as temperatures drop a bit. Areas farther to the south stay rainy as temperatures stay up.

Keep an eye on temperatures Friday in the Upstate. A drop of just a degree in some places would expand the wintry weather; likewise, if temperatures don’t fall, rain will stick around.

**Friday 10:45 a.m. Update**

The National Weather Service has released some snow totals from the storm in western North Carolina Friday morning.

Two inches of snow fell in 30 minutes in west Asheville according to a spotter. A total of 3.8 inches of snow is on the ground in Buncombe County.

A total of 3.4 inches has fallen in Swain County while Henderson County snowfall has been reported at one inch. Snow has changed to rain and freezing rain in Hendersonville.

**Friday 10:32 a.m. Update**

The Greenville County School District will dismiss classes at 12:30 pm. Friday due to the inclement weather. Cherokee County District schools will end classes two hours early Friday.

All Haywood County, NC government offices will close at 11:00 a.m. Friday due to the storm.

**Friday 10:09 a.m. Update**

Asheville emergency response officials are urging residents to stay off the roads and suspend all non-essential travel during the winter storm.

“It is critical for citizens to stay off the roads and remain at home for their own safety and the safety of other citizens and emergency response personnel,” said Mayor Terry Bellamy in a written release. “I also want to encourage people to check on their neighbors, especially the elderly who may be without extra support during extreme weather conditions.”

Non-emergency city government offices will close at 10:30 a.m. Friday Asheville Transit will also suspend service at the same time until road conditions improve. Asheville’s after school childcare facilities at Vance and Jones Elementary Schools and community centers are closed.

“We are encouraging employers of non-emergency personnel to consider releasing their employees early to avoid potential roadway hazards at the end of the day,” said Asheville Fire Chief Scott Burnette in a news release. “The National Weather Service forecasts as much as eight inches of snow may fall during the day, making roads more hazardous by this evening.”

**Friday 9:33 a.m. Update**

The South Carolina Highway Patrol says Highway 25 is closed now from Gap Creek Road in northern Greenville county all the way to the North Carolina border.

Winter storm warning for all of western NC and into northern Pickens and Greenville County mountains. A winter mix this morning changes to snow. Snow stays heavy through tonight, tapering off tomorrow. The AVL/HVL area northeastward could see 8”-14” before the heavy snow tapers off, western mountains 4”-8”, tapering off to 1”-3” far west. Far southern mountains (including into SC) 2”-4”.

Winter weather advisory for northern areas of Oconee, Spartanburg, and Cherokee Counties into Saturday. The Upstate will see rain initially, with some mix as temperatures drop some today. Areas south of I-85 will see mostly rain with some mix, and little to no accumulation currently expected. Areas north of I-85 remain with the best potential of a quick inch or two of snow/sleet in a few spots, mostly occurring this later this afternoon and into the early evening.

Saturday will bring a stray light rain/snow shower early, otherwise dry in the Upstate. Most mountain areas will see snow taper off, except along the TN border.

Friday morning Spartanburg DOT trucks hit the road. A spokeman for the DOT report crews are salting I-26 and Highway 176 in Jonesville. 13 trucks total on the roads right now. Additional DOT trucks are on standby and will be used if needed. Brine is not being used Friday morning because the temperature is too warm and there is a possibility of rain.

Since Thursday afternoon, DOT crews have been getting ready for the winter weather.

They’re preparing to do whatever is necessary as the storm moves in.

They are not planning to pre-treat the roads with brine. With rain expected first, the brine would be washed away.

According to Red Cross CEO, Ann Wright, volunteers have been placed on standby to open shelters, assist victims of the winter weather, and care
for first responders who may need to provide services outside in cold weather for extended periods of time. “The most important thing that
Upstate residents need to do right now is prepare,“ says Ann Wright of the Red Cross.

The Asheville Fire Department encourages citizens to monitor forecasts and take steps to prepare for inclement weather. These include: Have extra blankets on hand. Ensure each member of the household has winter clothing ready. Assemble a disaster supply kit. Be prepared for power outages. Have a 3 day supply of necessary items in case you are unable to leave your home. Continue to monitor weather conditions. Stay off the roads if possible.