Published: 8:56 AM, 02/05/2010

Last updated: 9:04 AM, 02/05/2010

By: Jason Reagan

As snow and ice continue to fall across the High Country, local roads are beginning to get more hazardous.

Between 5-7 inches of snow fell overnight across the High Country and forecasters are calling for possible ice accumulation up to three-tenths of an inch.

The National Weather Service is calling for sleet between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. changing later to freezing rain with a high of 32.

Several minor wrecks have already been reported since since started falling Thursday night. At 8 a.m., a traffic accident on Blowing Rock Road in Boone involving a tractor-trailer truck was reported.

Emergency officials are urging motorists to stay home if possible.

As of 8:45 a.m., sleet was reported east of Boone. A reader in the Howard's Knob area reported icing of up to a quarter of an inch.

So far, the wintry mix has not affected local utilities yet.

Blue Ridge Electric spokesperson Renee Whitener said 10 customers reported power outages in Watauga County with 27 out in Caldwell and 22 in Alexander County.

Utility crews report heavy, wet snow is falling on power lines and Whitener said enough accumulation can be just as damaging to lines as ice.

To report conditions in your local area or any weather-related news, please e-mails reagan@wataugademocrat.com.

E-mailed photos are also welcome.

For more in-depth coverage, see the latest print edition of the Watauga Democrat, available at hundreds of locations across the High Country.

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