Asheville, NC – Residents across the Asheville area should prepare for dangerous weather conditions beginning Friday night, as high winds and snow are expected to impact travel, power service, and outdoor safety through Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg office, a High Wind Warning is in effect from 7PM Friday until 7PM Saturday for the North Carolina mountains near the Blue Ridge Escarpment. Wind gusts are expected to reach between 55 and 65 miles per hour, strong enough to down tree limbs, damage power lines, and cause scattered power outages.
A Winter Weather Advisory is also in place for nearby mountain counties, including Madison, Yancey, Mitchell, and Avery. Forecasters say snow accumulation of 1 to 4 inches is expected overnight into Saturday morning, with isolated areas near the Tennessee border seeing up to 6 inches.
These conditions are expected to make mountain roads slick and hazardous, particularly during the overnight and early morning hours. Drivers traveling along major routes such as I-26, I-40, and secondary mountain roads should allow extra time and avoid unnecessary travel during peak wind and snowfall periods.
In addition to wind and snow, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect overnight as dangerously low wind chills could lead to hypothermia or frostbite if proper precautions are not taken. Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid parking near trees, and ensure mobile devices are charged in case of power outages.
Weather conditions are expected to gradually improve later Saturday as winds weaken and snowfall tapers off. Until then, officials recommend staying informed through local alerts and using caution when traveling.
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