Banner Elk, North Carolina – Roads across the High Country could become impassable overnight as heavy snow begins falling by midnight and continues through Monday night, with wind gusts up to 50 mph creating near-whiteout conditions at times.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from midnight until midnight Monday night for Avery County and for elevations above 3,500 feet in Mitchell County. A Winter Weather Advisory covers lower elevations of Mitchell County during the same period.
Avery County, including Banner Elk, Newland and areas along the Tennessee border, is expected to receive 2 to 6 inches of snow, with up to 10 inches possible at higher elevations. In Mitchell County, totals of 5 to 10 inches are likely above 3,500 feet, while 1 to 4 inches are forecast below that elevation.
Strong winds gusting to 50 mph Sunday night and Monday will blow and drift snow, sharply reducing visibility along U.S. 19E, N.C. 194 and mountain roads near Roan Mountain and Beech Mountain. The weight of heavy snow could down tree limbs and cause scattered power outages.
Officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel, check 511 for road conditions and keep emergency supplies in vehicles. Snow and strong winds will persist through Monday night before gradually easing around midnight.
