CLAY COUNTY, NC- A day filled with extensive flooding and a night with falling temperatures resulted in schools closing and a two-hour delayed opening for government offices.

Clay County Schools won’t open for students on Feb. 7, but is an optional work day for staff.

Also Clay County government offices will open at 10 a.m. on Friday, but all emergency services are available.

Original Story:

Heavy flooding and constant rain throughout Thursday, Feb. 6 has resulted in school closing and road closures across Clay County.

Additionally, several reports of trees and power lines down with people posting images online of the damage.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has a flash flood watch in effect until 1 a.m. on Feb. 7 and a flash flood warning in effect until 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 6.

North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has reported multiple road closures due to flooding. Tusquittee Creek rose out of its banks and resulted in Tusquittee Creek Road (SR-1326) closing at 9:55 a.m. this morning. However as of 1:17 p.m., the road is not reopened, according to NCDOT.

Image of Peachtree, courtesy of Pam Bradshaw.

Theron Mccray Rd (SR-1358), near Fires Creek Road, also closed one lane at 8:04 a.m. due to small debris slide partially blocking the road. It’s expected to open again on Thursday, Feb. 7 at 2:59 p.m.

Hiawassee River has flooded Lance Cove Road (SR-1303), near U.S. 64 in both directions. NCDOT doesn’t expect this highway to be ready for use until Saturday, Feb. 8 at 2:17 p.m.

Clay County Schools let out at 10:45 a.m. because of the “deteriorating weather conditions.” At this time, the school hasn’t released a statement if school will be in session tomorrow or on a delay.

Tri-County Community College notified students that it will be closed all day Thursday and Friday.

Please take your time if heading out in this weather and be prepared to take alternate routes.

Shooting Creek near Hwy. 64, courtesy of Chris Peck.

Feature image courtesy of Ashley Owens.