Last Updated on November 15, 2018 9:11 am
Sleet, freezing rain and ice have led to closings and power outages across the High Country this morning.
Due to conditions, Watauga County Schools closed for the day, marking the first time a full day has been missed due to winter weather this season.
Numerous power outages are impacting the High Country. As of 8:51 am, 391 outages were in Watauga, 2,411 in Ashe and 389 in Alleghany. Boone Police was on the scene at the “big light” at the intersections of 321/105/105 ext directing traffic due to a power loss.
Local fire departments have also spent the morning clearing down trees.
Many local residents reported icy conditions countywide via social media reports, as can be seen below. For live updates on road conditions visit our Facebook page and Twitter outlet.
Blue Ridge Energy power outage map screenshot
Icicles hanging from the power lines in Blowing Rock and Boone via the live cameras page
Just how thick the ice actually is! @WataugaOnline pic.twitter.com/8FYBdddJSY
— PHBroyhill (@BroyhillPh) November 15, 2018
Still lots of ice in the Deep Gap area of the high country. @WataugaOnline @wxbrad pic.twitter.com/m4wWAMEYPS
— Foggy Gap Griffons (@clemweld) November 15, 2018
Shattered weeping willow near University Village entrance @WataugaOnline @NWSBlacksburg pic.twitter.com/eWSFeEHtXP
— Tuscape D (@TuscapeD) November 15, 2018
More icy scenes from Meat Camp/Castleford Rd @WataugaOnline @NWSBlacksburg pic.twitter.com/ffPrVB7wJB
— Tuscape D (@TuscapeD) November 15, 2018
Icy mess! @WataugaOnline @wxbrad #wncwx #ncwx pic.twitter.com/0XouCi5KEc
— Brazen Lady (@BrazenLady) November 15, 2018
Drive from Winkler's Creek to New Market is very wet, but no ice on the roads. One deadwood tree down, blocking one lane on Winkler's Creek. Lots of fallen or low-hanging, ice-covered branches. Otherwise, a smooth, wet drive. @WataugaOnline pic.twitter.com/WFQU2IAvov
— Average Joe (@Fight4Goodness) November 15, 2018
Icy landscape on my deck in Meat Camp/Castleford Rd area @WataugaOnline @NWSBlacksburg pic.twitter.com/S2Z7Q0fEt3
— Tuscape D (@TuscapeD) November 15, 2018
Ice! And plenty of it! Seven Devils 4,100 ft @WataugaOnline pic.twitter.com/1SDrcI5gv5
— Scott Lindsey (@scottlindsey) November 15, 2018
Ice, trees down, power outages, vehicle wrecks. Please be safe if you have to travel this morning. pic.twitter.com/NZY16coOHH
— Scott Elliott (@scottelliott_nc) November 15, 2018
Ice accumulation starting to pick up here in Valle Crucis. Also looks to be an accumulation of sleet/snow in areas. The light of day will reveal more and I’ll send more photos. #ncwx #wncwx @wxbrad @WataugaOnline @weatherchannel @breakingweather @TimBuckleyWX pic.twitter.com/clDMKoSNMN
— Wes Grimes ?/?/❄️ (@wesgrimes) November 15, 2018
