Season’s first winter weather brings dangerous conditions to NC mountains

WATAUGA COUNTY, N.C. — Channel 9′s Dave Faherty was in Boone on Monday where he saw dangerous conditions throughout the morning due to the winter storm that swept across the state.

NCDOT trucks could be seen working as fast as they could to clear the roads after the season’s first snow of the year.

At Appalachian State University, Faherty said the snow had not stopped falling by noon.

Along Highway 221, Blue Ridge Electric crews worked to repair lines after the heavy wet snow brought trees south of Blowing Rock, knocking out power to hundreds of people. Earlier Monday morning, more than 20,000 were also without power in Mecklenburg County.

“It’s pretty cold and tough today,” said Eddie Stephens with Blue Ridge Electric. “Nonstop since about 5:30 this morning.”

>> To stay on top of changing weather conditions be sure to download our free WSOC-TV Weather app

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A number of tractor-trailers were also stuck on the ice after Channel 9 crews saw snowfall rates in excess of two inches an hour.

The NCDOT said the bigger issue was the crashing temperatures early Monday which caused the roads to freeze. Since the storm started off as rain, road crews were not able to treat the roads ahead of time.

“I was not expecting this. I didn’t think it was going to get this bad,” driver Reggie Thompson said.

Good Samaritans and state troopers were seen stopping to help those stuck on the ice.

“What’s making it bad is we got so much so quick, they can’t keep up. So, you got plow trucks trying to get both sides of the road plowed at one time. Just makes things really difficult,” resident Ryan Annas said.

Faherty said there has been some improvement on the main roads but the secondary roads are still treacherous. There could also be some refreezing with temperatures expected to plunge into the teens Monday night.

The snow and return to winter also welcomed a sight for North Carolina ski resorts. This weekend, Appalachian Ski mountain had to shutdown because of several days of warmer weather.

Just 24 hours later, the resort was covered in snow. The winter weather even kept one family from Florida from going home.

“We’re loving it. We weren’t supposed to stay today but we got snowed in, so we were lucky we could stay another day,” said mother Kristen Sullivan.

(WATCH BELOW: Ch. 9 Photojournalist Larry Bergin captures time-lapse video of snow, road conditions on Highway 321)

Ch. 9 Photojournalist Larry Bergin captures time lapse video of snow, road conditions on Highway 321

On Sunday, Gov. Roy Cooper urged North Carolinians to stay alert ahead of the heavy rain, strong winds and winter weather moving into the state.

“It’s important to stay informed of changing weather conditions, and to have a way to receive weather alerts,” Cooper said. “A little preparation before severe or winter weather arrives can help avoid inconveniences and emergencies later.”

Here are some tips to help prepare for winter weather:

• Download our free WSOC-TV Weather app and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay on top of changing weather conditions.
• Keep your family emergency kit stocked and ready. Visit ReadyNC.gov for instructions on assembling a kit if you do not have one.
• Stock adequate supplies of heating fuel (propane, oil, firewood).
• Bring pets inside during winter weather.
• Try not to travel. If travel is needed, keep a winter emergency supplies kit in your vehicle with the following: Ice scraper/ snow brush, clear your car completely before driving, sand or salt for improved traction if you get stuck, snow shovel, enough clothing and blankets to keep you warm, snacks and water.
• Insulate pipes and allow faucets to drip a little. Running water, even at a trickle, helps keep pipes from freezing.
• Learn how to shut off your home’s main water valves in case a pipe bursts.

In case of power outages:

• Use battery powered sources of light to avoid fire.
• Do not use generators or grills inside your home or garage. Deadly carbon monoxide fumes can accumulate and cause illness or death.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

(WATCH BELOW: Meteorologist John Ahrens shows damage left behind after Monday’s winter storm)

Meteorologist John Ahrens shows damage left behind after Monday's winter storm

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