Wintry Weather Forces School Closures and Delays in North Carolina

AVERY COUNTY, N.C. — The Avery County School District has announced a school closure scheduled for Thursday due to the impending threat of inclement wintry weather. The announcement was made late Wednesday night, as district officials cited potential snow showers compounded by high winds as the primary reasons for the decision. The day has been designated as an optional workday for teachers, who have been advised to report to school buildings only if they can do so safely.

Weather forecasts indicate that the possibility of snow could increase overnight into Friday morning, while winds reaching speeds of over 20 miles per hour are expected to persist throughout Thursday. These conditions are expected to make the forecasted high of 37 degrees Fahrenheit feel significantly colder.

This precaution follows shortly after the district resumed classes post disruptions caused by Helene. Local news outlets, including WBTV, are providing ongoing coverage and updates regarding the weather conditions, urging residents to stay informed via their platforms.

Meanwhile, several other schools in Western North Carolina, including those in Buncombe, Haywood, and Jackson counties, have announced a two-hour delay for Friday’s start times due to icy road conditions. The affected schools have stated that buses will not operate on icy roads and have assured that they will continue to monitor conditions and update schedules as necessary.

Additionally, Madison and Graham County schools have opted for closures on Friday, with optional workdays established for teachers. These measures are being taken as freezing temperatures and the risk of black ice continue to pose potential hazards in the region.