Unexpected Snowstorm Causes School Delays Across North Georgia and Western North Carolina

Hayesville native Keith Parker shared this photo of Franklin Mountain on his way to work on Monday.

 A brief but sudden snow burst on Monday, Feb. 23, created tricky driving conditions and led to school delays across North Georgia and western North Carolina. While accumulations were light—no more than a dusting—the rapid coverage on roads surprised many drivers during the early morning commute.

The snow came on the heels of an unusually warm stretch, with temperatures in the mid-60s to lower 70s just days earlier. Monday morning, however, brought temperatures in the teens, making the thin layer of snow on roads slippery and hazardous. School districts responded by issuing delays and closures, as officials worked to ensure students could travel safely. Drivers were advised to exercise caution, especially on bridges and shaded areas where ice could form even with light snow.

The cold spell is expected to be short-lived. Mountain Buzz Chief Meteorologist Greg Majewski says temperatures will climb back into the 60s by the weekend, bringing a return to milder weather.

Monday’s conditions are a reminder of how quickly the weather can shift in the mountains, even with only a light dusting of snow.