East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia – A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through late Saturday night, with accumulating snow and hazardous travel conditions possible across parts of East Tennessee and southwest Virginia.
According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, snowfall totals of 3 to 7 inches are possible across much of northeast Tennessee and far southwest Virginia, including the higher elevations of the Smoky Mountains. Mountain wind gusts could reach 35 mph, potentially causing blowing snow and reduced visibility.
Counties under the watch include Hawkins, Sullivan, Johnson, Washington, Greene, Unicoi, Carter, Cocke, Sevier, and Monroe in Tennessee, along with Wise, Scott, Russell, and Washington counties in Virginia. Cities potentially impacted include Kingsport, Johnson City, Bristol, Gatlinburg, Greeneville, Elizabethton, Mountain City, Abingdon, Norton, and Wise.
A separate Winter Storm Watch also covers Knox, Jefferson, Hamblen, Grainger, Blount, and Sevier counties, including Knoxville, Maryville, Pigeon Forge, Morristown, and Sevierville, where 2 to 4 inches of snow are possible.
The National Weather Service warns that travel could be very difficult, especially during the Friday evening commute, as snow accumulates quickly on roadways. Slippery conditions are expected on interstates, secondary roads, and mountain passes.
Residents are urged to closely monitor forecast updates, prepare for changing road conditions, and adjust travel plans if necessary. The watch means conditions are favorable for significant winter weather, though exact snowfall amounts may change as the system approaches.
