Seasons Clash - Monday was the first day of Spring, but it looked more like winter as snow fell countywide. With flowers starting to bloom and buds opening, the contrast of seasons was vivid. The photo above shows phlox and daffodils in bloom at the Alleghany County Library, at left: an evergreen covered in snow Monday,and below: the delicate appearance of the blooms of a Bradford pear tree.

Spring begins with snow

Although Monday was the first day of Spring, instead of mild weather and flowers, the county experienced snow and freezing temperatures. According to reports received by the National Weather Service (NWS), two areas of the county, Sparta and Roaring Gap, each reported about an inch of snowfall. No reports were available from other areas of the county, Stewart said.

Neighboring counties of Ashe and Watauga reported about two inches of snow, while Wilkes and Surry counties received traces of snow. While NWS reports called for snow showers late in the day and into the evening hours Tuesday, less than an inch of accumulation is expected.

The county again has a slight chance of snow on Thursday night and early Friday.

Highs are expected to be in the 50s by Sunday and early next week. However, temperatures are predicted to turn colder again by the middle of next week.

The NWS encourages citizens to report precipitation amounts by calling its toll-free line at 1-866-215-4324.

Roads

Scott Gallman, who serves as the county maintenance engineer for Alleghany and Yadkin counties, stated Tuesday crews hit the county roads about 6 a.m., hitting a few icy spots.

County schools were placed on a two-hour delay Tuesday due to the inclement weather. With the exception of Monday night when temperatures dropped well below freezing, roads were mostly clear.

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