It may appear safe, but the ice over many local ponds and lakes is not thick enough to walk on. Attempting to walk over the ice is dangerous, especially for anyone who falls through and into the water. Hypothermia will rapidly set in, and quick rescue may be impossible.

A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Watauga County between 1 pm Friday (1/30/26) and 1 pm Sunday (2/1/26). Accumulating snow, strong winds, and dangerously cold temperatures are expected through the weekend. Monitor trusted weather sources, and take now to prepare.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Watauga County from 1 pm Friday (1/30/26) until 1 pm Sunday (2/1/26). Accumulating snow and strong winds will cause hazardous driving conditions. Limit travel if possible. Monitor trusted sources for the latest forecast information.

Adverse Weather Condition 2 (Suspended Operations) in effect from 12am 1/31 until 5pm 2/1 on the Boone and Hickory campuses. Condition 1 (Reduced Operations) on Boone and Hickory campuses begins at 5pm 2/1 through 7am 2/2. Please use caution. More info: appstatealert.com

A Winter Storm Warning and an Extreme Cold Warning are in effect for the Boone area until 1 pm Sunday (2/1/26). Hazardous travel conditions expected. Winds will increase tonight, causing blowing snow and dangerously cold wind chills. Today is a good day to remain indoors.

All classes before noon on 2/2 are canceled. All classes starting at noon on 2/2 will take place online. Condition 2 is extended until noon 2/2 on the Boone and Hickory campuses. Condition 1 on Boone and Hickory campuses begins at noon 2/2 through 7am 2/3. appstatealert.com

On 2/3, all class instruction will take place online for the Boone and Hickory campuses. Condition 1 on Boone and Hickory campuses is extended through 7 am 2/4. Use caution. More info: appstatealert.com

Appalachian State University will conduct a full test of its emergency notification system — including, but not limited to, email, voice and text messaging and the Alertus desktop notification system — at 11:55 a.m., today, Wednesday, Feb. 4.

Winter returns to Boone for another weekend. Snow, wind, and cold are all expected starting later today (2/6/26). Monitor the forecast. Be prepared for adverse travel conditions. Limit time outdoors when able. Be prepared for isolated power outages.

On 2/6, Boone campus classes will move to online instruction at 2pm. Condition 1 in Boone in effect beginning 2/6 at 2pm through 2/7 at noon. Use caution. More info: appstatealert.com

UPDATE: Appalachian State University will conduct a rescheduled full test of its emergency notification system — including, but not limited to, email, voice and text messaging and the Alertus desktop notification system — at 11:55 a.m., today, Wednesday, Feb. 11.

AppStateALERT: This is a test of the emergency notification system. In an actual emergency seek safe shelter and visit appstatealert.com for detailed updates.

More snow is on the way. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued from 12 am Sunday (2/22/26) until 12 am Monday (2/23/26). Monitor the forecast. Use caution while traveling and be alert for slick travel conditions.

A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect for Watauga County until 12 am Tuesday (2/24/26). Monitor for the forecast. Be prepared for hazardous driving conditions, along with gusty winds and cold temperatures. Visit emergency.appstate.edu for winter weather preparedness tips.

On 2/23, all Boone campus classes are canceled until noon. Beginning at noon, all Boone classes will be online. Condition 2 in Boone 2/23 until noon. Condition 1 begins 2/23 at noon until 2/24 at 7am. Use caution. More info: appstatealert.com

On 2/24, Boone campus in-person classes will resume at 9:30am. Condition 1 extended until 2/24 at 9:30am. Use caution. More info: appstatealert.com

On 3/17, Boone campus in-person classes will start at 11am. Condition 1 (Reduced Operations) in Boone in effect until 11am. Use caution. More info: appstatealert.com

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