Snow forces school closure in western NC

ASHEVILLE — Schools closed in three western North Carolina counties after light snowfall made roads too icy for buses.

The Asheville Citizen-Times reports that schools are closed in Avery, Mitchell and Madison counties and Haywood County delayed opening two hours.

The snow could continue until middle of the day, followed by clearing with high temperatures expected to stay in the low 30s. There is a north wind blowing to 23 mph with gusts to 34 mph.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service called for accumulation during the day of less than half an inch of snow.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol says it has responded to a number of traffic accidents caused by slick roads.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)