Accumulating Snow likely for the North Carolina Mountains and some of the adjacent valleys. A passage of a strong cold front will leave behind moisture and cold air will combine to produce snow. Gusty winds will also make for dangerous travel conditions whiteout possible
WHAT: Accumulating Snow likely, snow will begin this afternoon and last through early Sunday. A robust upper-level low will pass through the state tomorrow in Sunday morning, a northwest snow event likely across the mountains. Temperatures will be below freezing; this will lead to accumulating snow from Saturday night to Sunday morning. Wind blowing snow expected due to high wind gusts.
Accumulation: 1-2 to 2-4 inches expected for anyone below 3,500ft to about 2,500ft some flakes will even fly for the valleys (Asheville) The big winners for snow are above 3,500ft into the Smokies and along the North Carolina Tennesse border 2-4inches to 4-7" like along the highest peaks, for example, the Smokies mountains, Mount Mitchell the western facing ski resorts and Blue Ridge Parkways. Swain, Haywood, and Yancey counties could see 4-7”+ A few ridgetop locations will exceed 7 inches, especially in the Smokies. Snowfall amounts are highly dependent on elevation, the higher you are, the better. The lower you are in the valleys, little to no amounts. Winter Weather Advisory issued for the entire mountains Ashe-Avery-Madison-Yancey-Mitchell-Haywood-Graham-Buncombe- (Above 3,500ft) Swain-Watauga County until 7 AM Sunday, this means impacts to travel expected. Warmer ground
IMPACTS: Travel will become hazardous across a good portion of the highest elevations of the mountains. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches and produce scattered power outages. Winter Weather Advisory means accumulating snow is expected below 8” Plan on slippery road conditions. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. Gusty winds and falling snow could reduce visibilities.
WIND: Gusty winds 45-55MPH possible along the entire mountains tonight through early Sunday, gusty winds could cause power outages and make for whiteout conditions when snow is falling. High Warnings and Wind Advisory posted for the entire mountains adjacent Foothills.
