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Accumulating snow is likely for parts of the mountains.
- Ethan Clark
- Jan 13
- 2 min read
Let it snow: Here comes more snow for some across parts of the higher elevations of the mountains, accumulating snow is likely Wednesday night into Thursday, especially above 3,000FT. The odds of seeing some accumulating snow look to be quite high for areas above 3,000 Feet. With wind gusts ranging from 35-45mph, blowing snow will be possible in the higher elevations along the TN border. A strong cold front will pass through the state Wednesday night into Thursday, bringing colder weather statewide for the end of the week. In the wake of the cold front, gusty NW winds will develop, which will set the stage for a classic NW flow snow event across the North Carolina mountains. A northwest flow snow event (NWFS) occurs when cold, dry air from the northwest moves over the Appalachian Mountains, producing snow due to orographic lift (terrain forcing).
-Looking at the latest data, I feel pretty confident there will be some accumulating snow mainly above 3,000 feet in the North Carolina mountains and especially as you head above 3,500 feet. At this point, some of the highest communities along the North Carolina/Tennessee line could see a couple of inches of snow. The big winners for snow are above 3,500ft into the Smokies and along the North Carolina-Tennessee border, with several inches of snow, like along the highest peaks, for example, the Smokies mountains, Mount Mitchell, the western-facing ski resorts, and parts of the high Blue Ridge Parkways. A few ridgetop locations will could exceed 9+ inches, especially in the Smokies, Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome), and Max Patch, Wolf Laurel, and very high locations of the mountains, Roan Mountain/ Carvers Gap. Snowfall amounts are highly dependent on elevation; the higher you are, the better. Snow will start this Wednesday afternoon and continue intermittently through Thursday. The valley and lower elevations could see some flakes fly Wednesday night into Thursday, but really not expecting much at this point, maybe a dusting. Slick roads are likely across parts of the mountains, especially above 3,000FT. Be careful traveling. I'll monitor and update if things change.
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