ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Slick roads and lingering ice led to multiple vehicle accidents across Buncombe County on Monday morning as crews continued clearing streets following the winter storm.
The Fairview Volunteer Fire Department urged drivers to stay off the roads if possible, citing several crashes caused by icy conditions. Three accidents were reported on Cane Creek Road within a 90-minute span between Charlotte Highway and Gap Creek Road.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation said crews made significant progress Sunday but warned that hazardous conditions remain. Drivers who must travel were urged to slow down and watch for ice, especially on secondary roads. NCDOT officials said plows will move to those roads once interstates and primary routes are cleared.
In Asheville, city officials said Public Works crews worked through the night on Priority 2 roads, though extremely cold temperatures hardened snowpack and slowed progress. Slightly warmer temperatures and sunshine were expected to help crews make additional headway Monday. Crews will continue operating around the clock until roads are cleared.
City officials also reminded residents to park off roadways and not push snow from driveways or private lots into streets, which can delay plowing efforts. City-owned parking garages were set to remain open until 10 p.m. to help keep streets clear for snow removal.
Road condition updates will continue to be shared on the city’s social media channels. Officials noted that requests through the AVL Alert app will not be returned as Public Works crews focus on 24/7 operations.
In the Leicester community, residents said Jenkins Valley Road remained largely untouched as of Sunday afternoon, with deep snow and ice still present and little improvement after overnight freezing temperatures. Conditions in Sandy Mush were described as icy and snow-covered.
Several drivers raised concerns about Alexander Road, especially the shaded curve between Sluder Branch and Leicester Highway. Others reported the area around the West Buncombe BP and Gulf stations was drivable early Monday but still snow- and ice-covered.
Bear Creek Road conditions were described as “spotty,” particularly near Martin Branch, with some drivers able to reach work cautiously while others said they had not attempted travel. One resident said they were able to make it to work but urged others to be careful.
Along Newfound Road toward Leicester Highway, residents warned that melted snow refroze overnight, creating widespread ice. Drivers were advised to delay travel until temperatures rise and sunlight improves conditions. While parts of Leicester Highway were reported clear, Newfound Road remained slick in places.
In Weaverville, drivers questioned whether Clarks Chapel Road had been plowed. Residents reported that while travel was possible, vehicles with all-wheel drive had an easier time navigating the snow-covered roadway.
Across the region, residents emphasized using caution, avoiding unnecessary travel, and allowing extra time as crews continue to address road conditions.
Statewide, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported 1,112 collisions and 1,686 calls for service from Jan. 31 through late Saturday morning. Two fatal crashes were reported during that period, one in Robeson County and one in Rutherford County.