Winter Weather Disrupts Schools Across North Carolina with Closures and Delays

North Carolina’s winter weather has caused significant disruptions again, leading to school closures, delays, and the shift to remote learning in various parts of the state.

Icy roads and freezing temperatures have created hazardous driving conditions, especially in areas like the Piedmont Triad and the mountains, prompting school officials to take precautionary measures. Here’s a breakdown of how schools are responding to the weather challenges.

Piedmont Triad School Systems Implement Delays

In the Piedmont Triad region, black ice warnings and below-freezing temperatures have led multiple school systems to announce two-hour delays for Wednesday, December 4. School officials are prioritizing the safety of students and staff, as the potential for slick roads poses significant risks during early morning commutes.

Schools operating on a two-hour delay include:

• Asheboro City Schools
• Davidson County Schools
• Davie County Schools
• Guilford County Schools
• Lexington City Schools
• Randolph County Schools
• Thomasville City Schools
• Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
• Yadkin County Schools

The decision to delay allows more time for road conditions to improve as temperatures rise slightly during the morning hours. However, officials are urging families to remain cautious, especially in shaded areas and on bridges where black ice is most likely to form.

Mountain Schools Transition to Remote Learning

In North Carolina’s mountainous regions, the situation is even more severe. Snowfall and bitterly cold temperatures have caused icy roads and hazardous travel conditions. By Tuesday morning, areas like Hendersonville, Woodfin, and parts of Asheville were blanketed with snow, making driving treacherous.

Buncombe County Schools and Asheville City Schools opted to switch to remote learning days on Tuesday, December 3, to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Local impacts reported by officials include:

• Multiple accidents in the Asheville area, with some crashes causing hours-long road closures.
• The suspension of Asheville Rapid Transit (ART) bus services during the morning hours due to ice.
• Asheville Parks & Recreation Community Centers are adjusting their schedules to offer limited Childcare for students.

Community centers such as Tempie Avery Montford and Linwood Crump Shiloh are supporting families affected by school closures. These centers are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and provide indoor activities for children. However, families are required to bring their lunches while snacks are provided.

Weather Forecast and Road Conditions

The icy conditions result from a cold front that brought freezing temperatures to the region: early Tuesday morning, snow and ice accumulated on major roads, including I-40 and I-26 near Asheville. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) issued multiple alerts about crashes and advised drivers to avoid unnecessary travel.

Black ice is a major concern overnight into Wednesday morning as temperatures remain low. Weather experts warn that surfaces appearing wet could be frozen, making early commutes risky.

On a brighter note, Wednesday’s forecast shows improving conditions, with sunny skies and high temperatures reaching the mid-40s by the afternoon. This should help melt lingering ice and improve travel conditions.

Precautions for Families

Both school officials and weather experts are urging families to exercise caution. Black ice is hazardous because it is nearly invisible and often forms in areas with little sunlight. Drivers should reduce speeds, maintain extra distance from other vehicles, and avoid sudden braking.

Parents are encouraged to regularly check local school system announcements for updates on delays or closures. Many schools use automated phone alerts, websites, and social media channels to communicate changes quickly.

Why do Schools Delay or Close

When winter weather hits, school officials must make tough decisions about closing, delaying, or transitioning to remote learning. The primary factors considered include:

• Road safety: School buses often travel on secondary roads that may take longer to be treated as quickly as major highways.
• Temperature: Bitter cold can pose risks for students waiting at bus stops.
• Timing of weather events: Snow or ice falling during early morning hours is particularly problematic for schools trying to make last-minute decisions.

Delays were deemed the best solution for Wednesday in the Piedmont Triad, allowing time for roads to thaw slightly. Meanwhile, in the mountains, where conditions were more severe, remote learning ensured students could continue their education without risking safety.

Community Response and Support

The winter weather has brought challenges, but it has also highlighted the resilience and adaptability of North Carolina communities. From school officials to local government agencies, efforts are underway to minimize disruptions and keep residents safe.

In Asheville, community centers offer Childcare and adjust their operations to support families dealing with school closures. Similarly, road crews across the state are working tirelessly to treat icy roads and clear snow to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.

A Look Ahead

As winter progresses, more weather events like this are likely to occur. North Carolina residents are reminded to stay informed about changing conditions and to prepare for potential disruptions. Keeping an emergency kit in vehicles, monitoring weather alerts, and practicing safe driving habits are essential to staying safe during winter.

For students and families, flexibility is key. While snow days often bring a sense of excitement, they also require adjustments to routines. Schools continue refining their remote learning plans to ensure education continues seamlessly when in-person classes aren’t possible.

Complete List of School Impacts

Here’s a recap of school impacts for Wednesday, December 4:

Piedmont Triad Schools (Two-Hour Delays):

• Asheboro City Schools
• Davidson County Schools
• Davie County Schools
• Guilford County Schools
• Lexington City Schools
• Randolph County Schools
• Thomasville City Schools
• Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
• Yadkin County Schools

Mountain Schools (Remote Learning):

• Buncombe County Schools
• Asheville City Schools

Community Center Adjustments in Asheville:

• Open for Childcare (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.):
  • Tempie Avery Montford Community Center
  • Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center
• Open for Limited Hours (12 p.m. – 6 p.m.):
  • Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center
  • Grove Street Community Center
  • Harvest House Community Center
  • Stephens-Lee Community Center
• Closed:
  • Burton Street Community Center
  • Murphy-Oakley Community Center

Winter weather may have thrown a curveball this week, but North Carolina communities are proving their ability to adapt and prioritize safety. As conditions improve, families can look forward to a return to normalcy while remaining prepared for whatever the season brings next.