Andrews – Travel continues to be unsafe as sub-freezing temperatures remain over Cherokee County on Sunday.
With sunny skies, temperatures in Murphy and Andrews won't get above 30 degrees today and are predicted to dip to 4 degrees by 4 a.m. Monday.
The N.C. Department of Transportation advises that roadways throughout Cherokee County – as well as much of the state – continue to be covered with snow, compressed snow and ice, despite that agency's best efforts to treat and plow the roadways.
The N.C. Highway Patrol released statewide travel figures related to the storm:
Statewide Winter Storm Totals, midnight Saturday, Jan. 31 through 11:30 a.m. Sunday:
- Collisions: 1,112
- Calls for Service: 1,686
- Fatal Collisions: 2 (Robeson County & Rutherford County).
A small collision on Interstate 85 North in Kannapolis led to more than 30 tractor-trailers and more than 70 cars being trapped on the highway, according to the highway patrol.
The northbound lanes of I-85 between mile markers 60-63 have reopened in Cabarrus County, the highway patrol announced late Saturday.
The State Highway Patrol, North Carolina Department of Transportation, North Carolina National Guard, NC Emergency Management and local responders worked diligently to clear the roadway from major delays throughout the evening, officials said.
"We remind you to please avoid driving during wintry conditions if at all possible," according to a highway patrol statement.
The Town of Murphy has postponed Monday's town council meeting because of the weather.
"Due to inclement weather and ongoing road concerns, the Murphy Town Council meeting originally scheduled for Monday, February 2 has been postponed," Murphy Mayor Tim Radford announced on Sunday.
The meeting will now be held at 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9 at the Murphy Electric Power Board conference room, where the council normally meets.
"We appreciate everyone’s understanding as we prioritize safety for our residents, council members, and staff," Radford said. "Please continue to use caution on area roadways."
Due to the current weather and unsafe road conditions, Cherokee County Courthouse and all non-essential Cherokee County offices will be closed Monday. Emergency Services and Public Safety will continue normal operations.