WATAUGA COUNTY, N.C. — Highway 421 is back open in Watauga County after a crash involving more than 20 vehicles Monday morning, officials said.
The Deep Gap Fire Department was called to a crash on Highway 421 near Stoney Fork Road around 8:30 a.m. Firefighters also shut down southbound Old 421 between Brown's Chapel Road and Parkcrest Drive due to multiple crashes.
All lanes of Highway 421 were reopened shortly before 11 a.m. Blue Ridge Energy was called to the scene to repair a broken power pole, firefighters said.
Firefighters said icy conditions caused by freezing rain and sleet in western North Carolina led to treacherous travel conditions in the area. Forecaster Larry Sprinkle said the Interstate 40 corridor and areas north of the interstate were at risk for icy roads Monday morning.
The Deep Gap Fire Department also responded to another major crash on Highway 421 in Wilkes County involving dozens of cars.
Officials are urging everyone to stay home and off the roads due to the slick conditions. Multiple school districts in the Charlotte area will be closed or operating under remote learning due to the weather.
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