Asheville, North Carolina – A powerful Winter Storm Warning is set to impact the mountains of western North Carolina, with heavy snow and damaging winds likely to make travel dangerous and trigger isolated power outages from Friday evening through early Sunday.
Snow is expected to develop rapidly Friday afternoon, with road conditions deteriorating quickly as temperatures fall into the 20s. Widespread snowfall totals of 4 to 7 inches are expected across the mountain counties, including Buncombe, Henderson, Haywood, Madison, Transylvania, and Avery. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph, especially along exposed ridges and higher elevations.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, snow is expected to stick quickly to roads and elevated surfaces, making many routes impassable at times. The Friday evening commute is likely to be severely impacted, with hazardous conditions developing rapidly after 4 p.m. Major mountain routes such as I-40 through the Pigeon River Gorge, U.S. 441, U.S. 74, and Blue Ridge Parkway access roads may become snow-covered and unsafe.
Strong winds Saturday could lead to blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility. According to local emergency management, the combination of heavy, wet snow and strong wind may down trees and power lines, leading to scattered power outages across mountain communities, including Asheville, Waynesville, Brevard, Black Mountain, and Banner Elk.
Residents are urged to complete travel and preparations before Friday afternoon. Avoid non-essential travel once snow begins, and ensure mobile devices are charged in case of power disruptions. If travel is unavoidable, keep emergency supplies in vehicles, including food, water, a flashlight, and warm clothing.
The Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through early Sunday morning, with lingering slick and snow-covered roads expected into the weekend.
