North Carolina, Nov. 21 – Strong wind gusts swept through North Carolina on Thursday, Nov. 21, causing widespread power outages and disrupting daily life, including school closings and delays in parts of the state, particularly in Western North Carolina.
The windstorm, which began early in the morning, resulted in more than 33,000 power outages across the state, with Garner among the hardest-hit areas, where over 1,000 homes and businesses lost power. Utility crews have been working tirelessly to restore electricity to affected areas, but some residents may face extended outages as winds continue to cause damage.
In Western North Carolina, several school districts were forced to close or delay opening due to the hazardous conditions. Schools in areas such as Asheville, Hendersonville, and Waynesville reported closures, while others implemented delays to ensure students could arrive safely once the weather improved.
School Closures and Delays Across Western NC
- Buncombe County Schools: Closed for the day due to power outages and hazardous road conditions.
- Henderson County Schools: Open with a 2-hour delay, allowing time for crews to clear debris from roads.
- Haywood County Schools: All schools closed for the day to ensure student safety amidst falling trees and downed power lines.
- Madison County Schools: Closed due to dangerous wind gusts and power outages affecting local infrastructure.
As the storm continues, authorities are urging residents to stay indoors when possible and avoid travel. Emergency services have been deployed to assist in clearing roads and assisting with power restoration. The National Weather Service has issued wind advisories for several counties in the region, warning that wind gusts could reach up to 50 miles per hour in some areas.
Ongoing Efforts and Restoration
Local utilities, including Duke Energy, are focused on restoring power to the affected regions as quickly as possible. Crews have been dispatched to high-priority areas, but officials warn that some customers may experience delays due to the extensive damage caused by the wind.
In addition to school closures, several businesses in the affected areas have also been forced to close or adjust their hours. Public transportation services are running on a reduced schedule, and residents are encouraged to check for updates on closures and delays.
As conditions improve later in the day, authorities will reassess the situation, and updates on power restoration and further school schedules will be provided.