Slip, Sliding Away
The first big storm of 2025 arrived over the weekend. Governor Stein declared a State of Emergency before the event to permit citizens and civil authorities to prepare properly.
The white fluff was only a few inches deep, but the icy rain that preceded the snow made for a deadly combination. Our area received about 4 inches.
Traffic on the main highway in our area, NC Route 421, between Wilkesboro and Boone, was at a standstill for several hours due to two semis jackknifing, one on either side of the road, near Deep Gap.
Closer to home, our serpentine mountain roads, with several steep grades, were a nightmare. Two construction pickups with trailers jackknifed and blocked egress. Our postman slid all the way down the community entrance road, across the county road, and down the opposite embankment into some trees. Several residents had to abandon their vehicles on the roadside after failing to climb the rise. At least 20 cars got stuck on the two-mile county access road from 421 to our development. Two went off-road, down onto a crumbling barn structure.
The private road crew made a valiant attempt to plow and salt but was hindered by lane blockages caused by the road mishaps.
Neighbors rallied to assist each other: owners with UTVs ferried their friends and acquaintances uphill to their homes.
County road residents allowed mountaintop folks parking spaces and welcomed them into their houses with warm drinks.
Over the past few days, the situation has improved with the cessation of precipitation, increased plowing/salting, and gradual removal of stopped cars.
We finally ventured out for a dental appointment today; after all, we were chomping at the bit with cabin fever. Several slick spots remained on the mountain, but the main roads were clear and dry.
Were you impacted by any winter weather this weekend? I hope you fared well.
