Newland, North Carolina – Snow will begin around midnight, and wind gusts up to 50 mph could turn mountain roads across Avery County treacherous before sunrise Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Avery County from midnight tonight through midnight Monday night. Most areas will see 2 to 6 inches of snow, but totals could reach 10 inches along the Tennessee border and across higher elevations. Strong wind gusts up to 50 mph Sunday night and Monday will create blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility.
The storm’s statewide impact centers on western North Carolina’s High Country, where elevation will determine snowfall intensity. In Banner Elk, Ingalls and Newland, snow-covered roads may develop quickly overnight and persist into Monday. Routes such as U.S. 19E, N.C. 105 and other mountain corridors could become slick and snow-packed, especially in exposed areas. Heavy, wet snow may weigh down tree limbs and power lines, raising the risk of isolated outages.
Travel could become very difficult or impossible at times, particularly during the Monday morning and evening commutes. Residents should avoid non-essential travel, secure loose outdoor items and charge electronic devices. Check North Carolina 511 for live road updates as conditions deteriorate through Monday night.
