AVERY COUNTY, N.C. — The Carolinas are experiencing significant temperature fluctuations, with Avery County seeing temperatures in the mid-20s and snowfall as of this morning.
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In response to the cold snap, the North Carolina Department of Transportation applied 150 tons of salt overnight in Avery County to manage icy conditions. Schools in both Watauga and Avery counties shifted to remote learning due to the severe weather.
Dawn Forrest didn’t take any chances and put down salt outside the convenience store where she works. She welcomes the return of winter.
“I love it,” she said. “I love the snow. I love this weather. I’m happy to live here.”
Sugar Mountain Ski Resort activated its snow-making equipment for the first time this year, aiming to open soon as conditions permit.
A South Carolina family was visiting the area on Monday and spoke with Channel 9.
“We were planning on hiking, and we should have looked at the weather better,” said family member Adrian Schneider.
“This is a drastic change,” said Josh Schneider. “It’s nice. We dressed warm, so we’re liking it.”
On the campus of Appalachian State University, students and visitors bundled up as they headed out.
“It’s too cold,” said Adams Hollymuyer, student. “It’s too early. It’s not even Thanksgiving yet. We need to back up soon because we’re freezing.”
“Basically, went from 70 (degrees) and warm outside, to having to wear my jacket, just not expecting to be up here,” said visitor Lean Helms.
The NCDOT is preparing for the possibility of more snow Monday night with temperatures at higher elevations expected to drop into the middle teens.
VIDEO: Channel 9 forecast
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