Jan. 7. 8:30 am. Conditions are just right for sledding, but not driving, although the Public Works Department has done a good job of clearing roads.

Both lanes of northbound I-77 at Exit 28 were closed at 8 am due to an accident.

Cashion’s opened at 6 am with a clean, scraped parking lot, and a cheerful staff, including Loria Houston (pictured).

Food Lion has a skeleton crew, but the parking lot is not clear so drivers can’t see the curbs.

I-77 Northbound blocked at 8 am

If you have pets outside, bring them in; it will be bitter cold today, dropping to 11 degrees tonight. The snow is sticky, just right for snowballs (not that we are suggesting this). Depending on where you are, there’s about 4 inches out there. Parts of South Charlotte have only a dusting.

CVS and Rite Aid at Jetton and West Catawba were closed at 8 am. The Rite Aid at Catawba and Main Street was also closed at 8.

Harris Teeter is open with a clean parking lot. Food Lion is open with a skeleton crew. The parking lot was not cleared at 8:15 am, making the curbs impossible to see.

Waffle House and Bojangles are open for breakfast. Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep service is open.

Public Works Director Ricky Overcash on the job

Meanwhile, the new governor has declared a state of emergency statewide. The National Weather Service at 8:30 am said this:

Snow likely, mainly before noon. Patchy freezing fog before 11 am. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 30. North wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

The National Weather Service says it will drop to 11 degrees tonight. Sunday will be sunny with a high only near 30 degrees.

And if you’re confused about what to wear, be forewarned: The weather service says temps will hit 57 on Wednesday, 60 on Thursday.