Below are the closures and delays announced by the organizations for January 18 due to weather conditions. Some closures are also due to the Martin Luther King Jr. vacation. This story will be updated as more decisions are announced. Last updated at 7:15 p.m. on January 17.
Due to inclement weather and road conditions, Watauga County offices will be closed Tuesday, January 18, 2022. Offices will reopen Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. Weather and road conditions will continue to be monitored and adjustments will be made. be done, if necessary.
Due to inclement weather and road conditions, the Watauga County Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 18, 2022 has been cancelled. A special convened meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. following the same agenda as the meeting originally scheduled for January 18 which can be viewed at www.wataugacounty.org.
Appalachian Regional Health System
Most doctor’s offices and outpatient facilities with ARHS will open at 10 a.m. on January 18. If you have any questions about your appointment or the hours of operation of any of our locations during inclement weather, please call the location directly for more information. Watauga Medical Center, Cannon Memorial Hospital and Appalachian Regional Behavioral Health Hospital are open 7 days a week and do not close in the event of inclement weather. Inclement Weather Plan B is in effect for employees – Non-essential staff will report for their shifts in time for a 10 a.m. opening. Essential staff are required to report at the start of their designated shift and are not affected by Plan B.
Watauga County Courthouse
The Watauga County Courthouse will be closed on January 18. All court sessions scheduled for Tuesday, January 18 will be postponed to a later date.
Due to continued snowfall, poor road conditions and forecasts of additional snow accumulation, schools in Watauga County will be closed to students on Tuesday, January 18. It will be an optional working day for teachers. Staff should check their school’s emails for additional information on work options. Everyone should prioritize their safety when making travel decisions.
Also on Wednesday, January 19, Watauga County Schools will be operating on a remote learning day in inclement weather. No student will report to school buildings. Teachers and other teaching staff may choose to work remotely, if necessary, for their safety.
All K-8 students will begin instruction at 10:00 a.m. and follow the schedule provided by their teachers. All In-Person High School and WVA High School students will begin instruction at 10:30 a.m. K-8 WVA students will follow the schedule established by WVA. You can visit the WVA homepage for more information.
For more information on Distance Learning Days, please visit our website at wataugaschools.org and click on the Virtual/Distance Learning tab at the top
The holiday/snow day program at Hardin Park will open at 9:30 a.m. each morning.
AppalCART will delay opening until 11:45 a.m. on January 18 due to adverse weather conditions. Red, Green, Pop 105 and NC 105 routes will have a Sunday schedule with limited service. NC 105 starts at 4 p.m. Conditions will be assessed by 11:45 a.m. for additional delays/cancellations.
Watauga County Parks and Recreation
The Watauga Community Recreation Center will be closed on January 18. All programs, including youth and adult basketball games, are also canceled. If this decision is updated, the WCRC will update social media and the severe weather line at (828) 264-9512.
At App State, Adverse Weather Condition 2 (Suspended Operations) has been extended for non-offending employees until 7 a.m. Tuesday, January 18. A decision on Tuesday classes will be made by noon on January 17. App State classes on January 18 will not meet in person. Faculty should utilize winterized course or online options whenever possible. Students should check ASULearn or with their faculty for course winterization options. Adverse weather condition 2 (suspended operations) has been extended for non-teaching employees until 7 a.m. Wednesday, January 19. More information at appstatealert.com.
Due to weather conditions, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s Caldwell and Watauga campuses will be closed on Tuesday, January 18 for day and evening classes.
Watauga County Public Library
The Watauga County Public Library and Western Watauga Branch will be closed on January 18 due to inclement weather.
Due to bad weather, the Watauga and Dental practices will be closed on January 18. There will be no COVID-19 testing at the Alleghany, Ashe and Watauga sites on January 18. Ashe’s office will open at 11 a.m. The Alleghany office will open at 10 a.m. Any further updates regarding delays/closures will be posted on our social media, website and phone system.
