Cold temperatures and unmelted snow and ice continue to add up to hazardous conditions following Friday’s snow storm.
Some 3-7 inches fell on Friday in southwest North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, making travel difficult.
Due to hazardous icy road conditions throughout Cherokee County, all Cherokee County Schools will be CLOSED for students Monday, Jan. 13.
This will be an OPTIONAL WORKDAY for all staff members.
Student safety is the top priority. School officials will continue to monitor weather and road conditions and provide updates on Monday.
The melting of the snow and ice will refreeze overnight as temperatures drop into the teens most locations. Areas of black ice and continued snow and ice covered roadways, especially secondary roads, will result in slick, hazardous travel.
When traveling at night, use caution and slow down. Give yourself extra room between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Allow additional time to reach your destination.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 11.
Persons should consider delaying all travel. Motorists should use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary.
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Cherokee County Landfill will be OPEN as normal –7:30 AM to 3:45 PM Monday.
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Crashes caused road closures on Friday that have since been cleared.
• NC-294, Near River Hills Road Near TN State Line / Both Directions in Cherokee County
Vehicle Crash: Road Closed near River Hills Road.
Reported at 4:15 PM, cleared at 7:15 PM and fully reopened at 10:18 AM Saturday.
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• US-64/74 (Andrew Jackson Highway), Near Old Whitener Road
• Near Murphy / Heading West, FedEx tractor trailer on its side.
• Incident at 1:55 PM, westbound traffic blocked until 5 PM Friday
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The Cherokee County Landfill in Marble is closed Saturday.
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Erlanger Express Care and Urgent Care locations in western North Carolina will reopen on Sunday, January 12.
Erlanger Express Care locations in Andrews and Hayesville, North Carolina will open at 10 a.m.. Erlanger Urgent Care, located in Murphy, North Carolina will open at Noon.
Previously:
Cherokee County Schools will be closed Friday for students. The day will be an optional teacher workday.
The Cherokee County Courthouse and Cherokee County offices will be closed Friday due to predicted weather.
Although Cherokee County offices are closed Friday, Jan. 10, Department of Social Services will operate as usual. All work will be handed over the phone and web site. DSS requests that citizens who need DSS services call the Department at 828-837-7455 to handle any DSS business. Call 911 if you have a medical emergency.
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From Cherokee County Emergency Management: If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 511. Persons should consider delaying all travel. Motorists should use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary.
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It is going to be freezing for about a week. If you or you know someone who is homeless or an elderly person who needs a blanket, hand warmers, coat, gloves, etc., have them call the Reach of Cherokee County, Inc. 24-hour Crisis Line at 828-837-8064. They will figure out how to get the supplies to them or you.
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Town of Andrews offices are closed Friday.
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The N.C. Department of Transportation is taking proactive measures against expected winter weather by beginning to pre-treat roads across the state Thursday, officials announced. The operation, set to commence around lunchtime, prioritizes major roads and will gradually extend to secondary roads as conditions permit.
NCDOT plans to continue the pre-treatment process throughout the night, ensuring roads are salted and safe ahead of the colder weather predicted to hit tomorrow.
Critical areas such as parking lots and entrances of emergency services like EMS, 911 Dispatch centers, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, Murphy Police Department, Andrews Police Department, the hospital loop, and fire stations will receive special attention in the pre-treatment plan.
Moreover, the NCDOT has arranged for additional resources, including extra trucks and motor graders to be stationed in strategic locations such as the Nantahala Gorge to tackle more severe conditions. More NCDOT information here.
In tandem with state efforts, the Town of Murphy is also taking significant steps by starting to pre-treat city streets Thursday afternoon.
“Our goal is to make travel as safe as possible for our residents as the winter weather approaches,” said Town Manager Chad Simons.
Residents are advised to stay updated on road conditions and travel advisories as the weather develops.
Previous updates:
The Cherokee Scout is among many local businesses planning on not opening Friday morning as usual, but instead will monitor the storm and open the office later only if conditions allow.
The Town of Andrews has postponed tonight’s board of aldermen meeting until Jan. 23.
The likelihood of adverse winter weather has already caused some changes, as the Town of Murphy sanitation crew is planning to collect Friday's sanitation route on Thursday. “This adjustment ensures the safety of our sanitation crew while maintaining regular service for our residents,” according to a release.
The bitter cold could also cause some challenges with saying warm. The Cherokee County Detention Office’s inmate work crew has been cutting and delivering firewood for veterans, elderly and disabled citizens. If you fall within those categories and need firewood for winter, call Detention Maj. Ward at 828-837-2521.
In the meantime, prepare for possible power outages. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution, according to the National Weather Service.
Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first-aid kit and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.