ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Several school districts and colleges across Western North Carolina are operating on delays, remote schedules or closures Wednesday as icy road conditions persist in parts of the region.

Buncombe County Schools officials said transportation crews assessed road conditions Tuesday and found lingering wintry accumulation, including black ice on several secondary roads. As a result, the Reynolds and Roberson districts — including the PEP Program — will operate on a two-hour delay Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. All other Buncombe County Schools districts will follow a regular schedule.

School officials said the delayed start will give North Carolina Department of Transportation crews additional time to treat hazardous areas and allow for safer travel with more daylight. Buses will not travel on icy roads. Breakfast will be served when students arrive at school. Transportation teams will continue monitoring conditions and will provide updates if further schedule changes are needed.

Asheville City Schools will also operate on a two-hour delay Wednesday due to continued icy conditions and challenges associated with starting diesel buses after several days of cold temperatures. District officials said buses will not travel on icy roads.

Superintendent Dr. Maggie Fehrman said the district is working closely with NCDOT, local and state law enforcement, and Buncombe County Schools transportation officials to make safety-based decisions. She thanked staff and families for their patience as conditions continue to be evaluated.

Elsewhere across the region, several districts and colleges announced adjusted schedules:

  • A-B Tech Community College: Open at 10 a.m.
  • Asheville City Schools: Two-hour delay
  • Avery County Schools: Closed
  • Blue Ridge Community College: Closed
  • Buncombe County Schools (Reynolds/Roberson): Two-hour delay
  • Burke County Schools: Closed
  • Henderson County Public Schools: Remote learning/optional teacher workday
  • Madison County Schools: Remote learning/optional teacher workday
  • Mayland Community College: Remote learning day
  • McDowell County Schools: Remote learning
  • McDowell Tech Community College: Closed
  • Mitchell County Schools: Closed/teacher workday
  • Polk County Schools: Closed/optional workday
  • Rutherford County Schools: Remote learning/optional teacher workday
  • Transylvania County Schools: Two-hour delay
  • Yancey County Schools: Two-hour delay
  • Officials urge families and staff to continue monitoring district communications for updates as weather and road conditions evolve.