In Forsyth County, a pickup plowed through a guardrail on I-40.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Icy roads in western North Carolina have caused a number of accidents on Interstate 40.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory until 10 a.m. Friday. Forecasters said a mix of freezing rain and sleet was expected. It was enough to create slick roads in the mountains.

Burke County authorities reported at least 50 weather-related accidents. One crash on Miller Bridge Road near East Burke Middle School killed at least one person.

The Department of Transportation reported multiple vehicle accidents on Interstate 40 from the Statesville area to the Tennessee state line. Officials said motorists in the area should expect delays and may want to use alternate routes.

The weather service said conditions should rapidly improve by the afternoon as temperatures rise and the precipitation ends.

Temperatures in the Charlotte area were above freezing by the time rain moved through.