Snowstorm cleanup in the Carolinas

Power crews and emergency personnel continue to work around the clock to restore power and clean up damage that resulted from Friday’s winter storm that struck the North Carolina mountains and upstate South Carolina.

Buncombe County was the hardest hit area in the western North Carolina mountains.

As of early Monday morning, 23,000 customers were without power, according to Progress Energy. Duke is down to a handful of outages. Duke Energy says that they estimate that power will be fully restored to its customers by 11 pm Monday night. Progress Energy is not estimating a timeframe, although they say it could take a couple of days.

Elliot said Saturday that power crews are battling hazardous conditions that prevent them from being able to reach access points needed to restore power. In many cases, road conditions and fallen trees have not allowed power crews access to areas in need of restoration due to the extent of the damage. Sunday was no different, although progress had been made to clear debris and restore power.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol reported Sunday evening that 52-year old Joseph Anthony Pipitone, from Waynesville, died Friday after his car slid off a private road and went down an embankment. He was ejected from the vehicle. He is the only know casulty from the storm. NCHP responded to close to 1000 accident and stranded motorist calls sonce Friday.

Some businesses will be closed Monday. The North Carolina Aboretum is closed, while Asheville City parks, recreation and cultural arts facilities have announced they will be closed. Asheville Transit plans to operate on a three hour delay Monday, assuming roads are safe to travel. Monday morning, the city of Asheville released this statement:

Black ice is prevalent on city and county roadways, primarily due to overnight freezing of melting snow. Residents are encouraged to exercise caution while driving, noting bridges and overpasses are especially susceptible to freezing. Today’s high of 42 and sunshine should help alleviate this condition during daylight hours.

Primary streets are open and secondary and tertiary streets continue to be plowed. Residents on roads awaiting service who are in need of prescription medications or medical supplies and services may call 252-1110 for assistance. Please dial 9-1-1 for all emergencies.

Asheville Transit will begin bus service on a 3- hour delay with buses running on main roads. Secondary streets will be serviced as road conditions permit. Please call 253- 5691 or visit http://www.ashevilletransit.com for updates.

Road conditions will delay the white good and scrap metal collection scheduled for today. Please have these items out for collection on Tuesday, Dec. 29. For more information please call 251-1122.

All Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts recreation centers will open at 11 a.m.

North Carolina Highway Patrol and Department of Transportation officials say they are expecting road condition to remain treacherous, with the chances of black ice developing on roadways and melting snow freezing.