Spruce Pine, North Carolina – Mountain roads in Mitchell County could become impassable within hours as snow begins around midnight, with wind gusts up to 50 mph threatening whiteout conditions by Sunday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect above 3,500 feet from midnight tonight through midnight Monday night, while a Winter Weather Advisory covers lower elevations during the same period. Snow totals will range from 5 to 10 inches in higher terrain, with 1 to 4 inches below 3,500 feet and locally higher amounts along the Tennessee border.
The storm’s impact will focus on western North Carolina’s high elevations, where heavy, wet snow combined with strong winds could weigh down tree limbs and power lines. Roads near Poplar, Spruce Pine and along the Blue Ridge Parkway may turn snow-covered before sunrise Sunday. Gusts near 50 mph Sunday night and Monday could create blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility, especially along exposed ridges and mountain passes.
Travel may become dangerous or impossible at times, particularly for the Monday morning and evening commutes. Residents should avoid non-essential travel, charge electronic devices and monitor North Carolina 511 for real-time road conditions. Additional updates are likely as winds strengthen and snowfall rates fluctuate through Monday night.
