By Leanne Cloudman

Staff Reporter

lcloudman@yadkinripple.com

The first significant snowfall in several years blanketed much of the western part of North Carolina beginning Sunday evening. Heavy sleet, mixed with rain and snow fell intermittently Sunday evening. By sunrise Monday, most of the area was covered with wet snow hiding a dangerous layer of ice.

Reactions on Monday ranged from excited youngsters to moaning adults, faced with hyper children anticipating a no-school day on top of the rarely experienced snow. The youth of the area found it difficult to contain their enthusiasm, the adults were more subdued. To questions regarding thoughts on the weather, one young man replied, “It’s awesome!” as he slid away.

The National Weather Service reported five inches of snow fell in Yadkin County. Higher elevations in Wilkes, Surry, Ashe and Watauga reported as much as 11 inches of snow.

Most of the businesses in Yadkinville were closed, including the county offices and courthouse. The town of Yadkinville remained open.

Thankfully, Ace’s Restaurant opened to offer hot meals to those forced to venture out. Later in the day, others opened their doors, but traffic in the downtown area was minimal.

The Yadkinville Police Department reported no major accidents. Officers made calls to the seniors who participate in the Cops Care program and made a few home visits as well to check on elderly residents.

Boonville town hall was open for business on Monday, and reported no major damage or delays. Trash pick-up was cancelled for Monday. Boonville Police Department reported no major accidents.

East Bend reported the snow was pretty; the locals cleared the side roads as well as the roads in town.

“Isn’t it great?” said town clerk Jennifer Casstevens.

Surry Yadkin Electric Cooperative reported 1100 customers without power on Monday. Crews worked diligently and all had been restored by lunchtime on Monday.

Duke Power informed county manager, Stan Kiser on Monday morning that 123 outages had been reported. According to their media representative, all power for their customers had been restored Tuesday morning.

By Monday afternoon, much of the snow had melted and the majority of the streets were clear and dry.