Asheville, North Carolina — A dangerous combination of strong winds, bitter wind chills, and mountain snow is impacting western North Carolina and portions of the Upstate through Saturday evening, according to the National Weather Service Greenville–Spartanburg.
A High Wind Warning remains in effect from 7 PM Friday through 7 PM Saturday for parts of the North Carolina mountains near the Blue Ridge Escarpment, including areas along Interstate 26 and I-40. Wind gusts of 55 to 65 mph are expected in warning areas, with 45 to 55 mph gusts possible across the Wind Advisory zone, extending into the western Piedmont, northeast Georgia, and the northern Upstate of South Carolina.
These winds may down trees and power lines, leading to scattered power outages, particularly in higher elevations. Lightweight and high-profile vehicles could experience difficult travel conditions on exposed roadways.
At the same time, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through Saturday morning for Madison, Yancey, Mitchell, and Avery counties, where 1 to 4 inches of snow is expected, with isolated totals of 6 to 12 inches near the Tennessee border. Snow-covered and wind-blown roads are possible in mountain passes and along sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Dangerous cold adds another layer of risk. Wind chills will drop as low as -13°F in the mountains, with teens and lower 20s elsewhere overnight. A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect for portions of the North Carolina mountains, where frostbite or hypothermia could occur if precautions are not taken.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve late Saturday night as winds ease. Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, limit unnecessary travel in the mountains, and dress in layers if outdoors.
