Cold front bringing Arctic air to N.C.

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More than a dozen school systems in western North Carolina have closed or delayed opening because of slick roads caused by snow and ice.

The Asheville Citizen-Timesreported Wednesday the Highway Patrol received reports of black ice on some roads, but no major traffic problems.

Schools were closed in Asheville, two Buncombe County districts and in Mitchell, Madison and Yancey counties. Other schools delayed opening.

Ashe County Schools are on a two-hour delay and is operating on limited bus routes.

Temperatures in Asheville were around 18 early in the morning and the high was expected to reach 42. Forecasters expect another chance of snow showers early Thursday with temperatures in the 20s.

Temperatures are expected below freezing Thursday and will last into the weekend. Readings will be in the teens in much of the state and single digits in western counties.

National Weather Service forecasters said a cold front passing through the state Wednesday will be followed by a significant blast of Arctic air.

Meteorologist Scott Sharp said Thursday's highs will occur early in the day before temperatures begin to plummet. He said temperatures will drop Thursday night into the teens in much of the state, and into the single digits in western counties.

Similar temperatures are expected Friday.

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Temperatures are expected to moderate Saturday, but Sharp said conditions will remain below normal for this time of year.