BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — Strong winds, snow, and freezing temperatures created treacherous conditions in Watauga County Monday night.
The blizzard-like conditions caused most businesses in downtown Blowing Rock to close.
“Snow is one thing. We stay open through normal storms, but I think the ice kinda scared some people away,” said local Bobby Paul.
The area is still recovering from damage from Hurricane Helene.
“After Helene, some of our roadways, even our road is still compromised,” Clementine Paul told Channel 9′s Jonathan Lowe.
One place still open despite the howling winds and blowing snow on Monday was the Six Pence Restaurant and Pub.
Bar manager Daniel Blackburn says they’re capable of taking care of guests.
“You send the rest of the staff home, send all the servers home,” Blackburn said. “We live here locally, so we stay open for the locals.”
Emergency managers predict that downed trees and power lines could lead to widespread power outages.
Officials expect that most roads will be covered by snow and ice Tuesday morning so Watauga County Schools will have a remote learning day on Tuesday.
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