North Carolina Schools Shift to Remote Learning Amid Winter Weather

Several school districts in North Carolina‘s mountain region have adjusted their schedules due to hazardous winter weather conditions, with some transitioning to remote learning and others implementing delays on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. The affected areas include Ashe, Avery, Watauga, and Alleghany counties, where icy and snow-covered roads have made travel unsafe.

This week has seen some of the coldest temperatures of the winter season, with additional snowfall expected later in the week. The decision to shift to remote learning or delay school start times was made to ensure the safety of students, staff, and families navigating the treacherous conditions.

“The safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” said a spokesperson for the Avery County School District. “We are closely monitoring the weather and road conditions to make the best decisions for our community.”

Local authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to exercise caution on roads, particularly in higher elevations where ice accumulation is more severe. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has been working around the clock to clear major roadways, but many secondary roads remain hazardous.

This marks the first significant winter weather event of 2025 for the region, which is no stranger to challenging winter conditions. Schools in the area have contingency plans in place for such scenarios, allowing them to quickly adapt to remote learning when needed.

Parents and guardians have been notified of the changes through district communication channels, including email, text alerts, and social media updates. The districts have also provided resources to support families in transitioning to remote learning, including access to online platforms and technical assistance.

As the winter storm continues to impact the region, officials are advising residents to stay informed about further updates and to prepare for potential power outages or additional snowfall. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the area, urging caution and preparedness.