Perfectly timed snow brings closures and Winter Wonderland to Burke County

It would be hard to engineer a better snowstorm for Burke County. It was the weekend. It was cold. For a day and a half, snow fell slowly and steadily, with light, fluffy flakes that did not take down the power grid and created, across much of central Burke County, a winter wonderland of about 7 inches.

With a lingering layer of ice from the previous weekend buried beneath the first genuine winter snow seen here in years, many residents knew by sundown Saturday that cancellations would be widespread Sunday and Monday.

Here is a brief list of key closures for Monday, as announced by noon Sunday:

Burke County Public Schools: Closed for a “Snow Day.” That means, presumably, no requirement to sit indoors in front of computers for remote learning. Translated another way: sledding time. Officials say that remote learning on Tuesday is a strong possibility.

New Dimensions School: Closed Monday for students and staff.

Burke County Commissioners: Monday's meeting is pushed until Wednesday. All Burke County government offices closed Monday.

Morganton City Council: Monday’s meeting moved to Feb. 9. All offices closed Monday.

Drexel Town Council: Tuesday’s meeting moved to Feb. 10. All offices closed Monday.

Valdese Town Council: Monday’s meeting moved to Feb. 9. All offices closed Moday.

Western Piedmont Community College: Monday is a remote day for students and employees.

UNC Health Blue Ridge: Many departments opening later Monday morning. Valdese Outpatient Surgery Center and Blue Ridge Outpatient Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, all locations, are closed. 

Burke County Superior Court: Delayed schedule; criminal admin court will begin at 11 a.m., grand jury report at 11 a.m.

Burke County District Court: Closed Monday, Feb. 2.

MORE INFORMATION

City of Morganton residential garbage collection will be on the same schedule as last week. Monday’s route will be collected on Wednesday; Tuesday’s route will be collected on Thursday and Wednesday’s and Thursday’s route will be picked up on Friday. All city residents are asked to bring their garbage to the street.

Municipal crews continue working to clear major streets, sidewalks, and parking areas. However, freezing temperatures overnight may create hazardous travel conditions, and motorists are urged to use caution.

—AVN