Severe Weather Causes North Carolina Road Closings
Severe weather causes North Carolina road closings. According to our source, the Charlotte Observer, rock slides were a result of the heavy rain and wind that more than likely prompted the slides.
Rangers in Pisgah National Forest say Cold Springs and Brown Gap Roads in Haywood County are closed. Haywood County is right on the North Carolina and Tennessee border. I went to college at Western Carolina University and know those roads well. This is not the first time Brown Gap Road has been closed. It was also shut down in early December during the 2,000 acre Black Bear Fire according to the Charlotte Observer.
That wildfire closed part of the Appalachian trail. It also affected people driving along I-40 in the Western North Carolina mountains. Avery’s Creek Road in Pisgah National Forest is also closed due to storm damage. Severe weather causes North Carolina road closings. There is no word on when the roads will reopen. The story is developing.
Some people have a fear of driving through the mountains anyway. Even if conditions are just fine and there is no threat of a rock slide, it can be anxiety inducing. And when I say, “some people”, I am talking about myself. There is a narrow gap between the western North Carolina mountains and Eastern Tennessee. We had to travel that way when taking my big sister to the University of Tennessee. Each time, I would close my eyes and look forward to getting to the other side. The fear of driving through the mountains is not unusual and you are not odd for feeling that way. The fear of driving in general is called vehophobia. Add in a little fear of heights along with that and driving through the mountains is not pleasant for some.
Escape The Cold With Direct Domestic Flights From Charlotte To Warm Weather
Key West, FL
American offers a direct flight from Charlotte to Key West multiple times a day. And it’s only a little over 2 hours making this tropical island paradise a quick getaway! Visitors love the bars, gorgeous beaches, and of course that Key Lime Pie! There are also numerous museums (I’ve been to the Hemmingway House) and everything is walkable on this small island. Expect weather in the upper 60s and lower 70s.
Pheonix, AZ
For a slightly longer than a weekend getaway consider the desert and Phoenix. American offers a round trip flight or several other airlines offer connecting options. Phoenix itself has a lot to offer and so do neighboring towns like Scottsdale. Perhaps you’d like to make the short drive to the red rocks of Sedona (though be advised it’s colder!) or even to the Grand Canyon!
Miami, FL
Spirit and American both offer direct flights to Miami. And some a pretty reasonable! At just a two hour flight you can easily jet down after work Friday and head home Sunday night. Because admit it being on the beach instead of in brisk temperatures and rain is extremely enticing.
Jacksonville, FL
American will get you to Jacksonville in less than an hour and a half. Enjoy the city or venue to one of the nearby beaches- Jacksonville Beach or Ponte Vedra are two I’d personally recommend. Or rent a car and make the short drive to Amelia Island to the north or south to Historic St. Augustine. When I was in Jacksonville over New Years a few years ago the temperatures were in the 80s which is exactly what I’d love right now!
Las Vegas, NV
Vegas is calling! American and Spirit will both get you there nonstop. Enjoy some gambling, incredible restaurants, world class shows, or a pool day in the sun. Heck you may even come out ahead on this vacation!
San Diego, CA
It’s sunny and 75 pretty much year round in southern California. You’ll need some time as it is a 4 hour flight but downtown San Diego is an incredible city. Enjoying restaurants, bars, and shopping the Gaslamp Quarter, visit SeaWorld, Coronado Island, or one of my favorite beaches La Jolla. I’ve also flown into San Diego and made the drive to Disneyland if you’re feeling adventurous and not afraid of traffic!
Tampa, FL
You can choose to take the hour and a half flight to Tampa from Charlotte on Spirit, Frontier, or American with the first two offering flights for less than $100. The Tampa Bay area offers fun city amenities, I’d personally recommend The Vinoy Hotel in downtown St. Pete. You’re also a close drive to so incredible Florida Gulf Coast beaches like St. Pete Beach, Clearwater, and Treasure Island.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Yes San Juan is a domestic destination as Puerto Rico is an unincorporated US territory. The Caribbean island features a landscape of mountains, waterfalls and the El Yunque tropical rainforest. San Juan is home to old San Juan and the picturesque Spanish colonial architecture. American has your ticket to San Juan and it’s about a 3.5 hour flight from Charlotte.
