A major winter storm has swept across Western North Carolina, bringing heavy snowfall, dangerously low temperatures, and gusty winds. The severe weather has led to hundreds of traffic collisions, widespread closures of schools and businesses, and the mobilization of emergency services, including the National Guard. Officials are urging residents to stay indoors as road conditions remain hazardous and an Extreme Cold Warning is in effect for much of the region.
Key Takeaways
- A winter storm brought 4 to 12 inches of snow to Western North Carolina, with the highest accumulations near the Tennessee border.
- The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported over 750 collisions and 800 calls for service in a single six-hour period.
- An Extreme Cold Warning is active, with wind chills plummeting to between -10 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Buncombe County Schools have shifted to remote learning, and numerous county services, parks, and businesses have closed.
- The North Carolina National Guard has activated around 341 personnel to assist with the emergency response.
Treacherous Road Conditions Lead to Hundreds of Accidents
The storm system created dangerous travel conditions across the region. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol has been responding to a high volume of incidents since the snow began to fall. In a six-hour window from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, the agency reported 750 collisions and 817 calls for service. Despite the high number of accidents, officials confirmed there have been no weather-related fatalities.
Primary roads in Buncombe, Henderson, Haywood, and surrounding counties are covered in snow. Officials strongly advise against all non-essential travel. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has issued a stern warning that any vehicles abandoned on Interstate 26 will be towed immediately to keep emergency routes clear.
Statewide Storm Impact by the Numbers
According to the NC State Highway Patrol, from midnight to 6 p.m. Saturday, the storm resulted in:
- 750 traffic collisions
- 817 calls for service
- 0 weather-related fatal collisions
In Henderson County, officials reported snow accumulations of four to six inches. Mike Morgan, the County Communications Officer, encouraged residents to stay off the roads to allow NCDOT and emergency crews to work. As of Saturday afternoon, no major power outages were reported in the county.
Widespread Closures and Service Suspensions
The severe weather has forced many businesses and public services to cease operations temporarily. In Asheville and surrounding areas, DoorDash activated its severe weather protocol, suspending all food delivery services until conditions improve.
“Due to hazardous conditions, including snow and ice brought by this winter storm, we’ve activated our Severe Weather Protocol and temporarily suspended operations in Asheville,” said DoorDash spokesperson Jenn Rosenberg. “We encourage everyone in affected areas to follow local guidance and take necessary precautions.”
Buncombe County announced the closure of all its parks and libraries through the weekend. The county landfill and transfer station were also closed. Trash collection services, already on a delayed schedule from a previous storm, were further postponed, with Saturday pickups moved to Monday.
The Biltmore Estate also announced it would have a delayed opening on Sunday due to the weather.
Emergency Services and Schools Adapt to Conditions
State and local agencies have mobilized to manage the storm's impact. The North Carolina National Guard activated approximately 341 personnel and 127 vehicles to support emergency management efforts. These resources were strategically moved to areas expected to be hit hardest by the storm.
Remote Learning in Buncombe County
Buncombe County Schools will operate on a remote learning schedule for Monday, February 2. Teachers will post assignments online by 10 a.m., and students will have five school days to complete them to be marked as present. The district is also providing free lunch for students at designated school cafeterias from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Healthcare facilities are also adjusting. Pardee Hospital and its main Emergency Department remain open, but all its Urgent Care practices in Hendersonville, Mills River, and Pisgah Forest will operate on a modified schedule, opening from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Frigid Temperatures and High Winds Persist
Beyond the snowfall, the storm has brought a wave of dangerously cold air. The National Weather Service issued an Extreme Cold Warning for much of the region, effective through Sunday afternoon. Wind chill values are expected to drop to between -10 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
These temperatures pose a significant risk of hypothermia and frostbite for anyone exposed for even short periods. Strong wind gusts, reaching up to 55 mph, are also creating blowing snow, which severely reduces visibility and makes travel even more difficult.
Meteorologists forecast that the highest snow totals, potentially reaching up to a foot, will be concentrated along the North Carolina-Tennessee state line. Most other parts of Western North Carolina are expected to receive between four and eight inches of snow before the system moves out of the area.
