Cherokee County E-911 Communications overrun with calls

Murphy, Nc. – Road conditions and the continued snowfall is putting a strain on Cherokee County E-911 Communications.

With roadways already wet before the thick snow fell, ice has formed in areas causing driving conditions to be hazardous. Many roadways are impassable due to these conditions, and there are reports of roadways being closed due to stranded vehicles.

Cherokee County E-911 Communications tells the public in a statement, “The center is inundated with calls from motorists traveling on the ice/snow covered roadways.”

Residents and travelers are urged to call the county’s non-emergency line at 828-835-3144 if they are need of assistance but it is not an emergency. E-911 Communications does say that non-emergency calls will be addressed in the order they are received, and to expect to be placed on hold while personnel handles “true emergencies”.

If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency do call 911.

Cherokee County E-911 Communications released the following information for those needing assistance:

If you have a Life Threatening Emergency dial 911.

 If you need road condition information dial 511 from a cell phone, (877) 511-4662 from outside North Carolina or visit www.ncdot.gov.

If you do not have an emergency and need to contact the NC Highway Patrol State Highway Patrol main office number: (919) 733-7952. 

Motorists traveling through the state who need assistance may dial *47 which is *HP on a cellular phone. 

Like emergency personnel in neighboring counties, Cherokee County Emergency Services are asking all residents to remain at home unless absolutely necessary to travel. They are also asking residents to please stay off roadways while crews respond to emergencies and work to clear the roads.

FYN will bring you weather updates throughout the day.