An arctic front moved through Macon County over Christmas weekend bringing single-digit temperatures and wind chills below zero. High winds and falling trees brought down power lines. Friday morning, Duke Energy reported 2,823 customers in Macon County without power.
First United Methodist Church opened an emergency warming station on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights for those needing a warm place to escape the cold.
Below freezing temperatures for several days led to local rivers, creeks and Lake Emory icing over.
In a press release on Dec. 24, Emergency Management Director Warren Cabe said there had been several structure fires during the 24-hour period, including one that was weather-related. There had also been several reports of frozen and burst pipes.
Warmer temperatures are expected to return this week with highs in the upper 50s to low 60s. Rain may put a damper on New Year’s Eve festivities on Saturday, but we could start the new year with temperatures in the 60s.