Banner Elk, N.C. – Mountain roads in the North Carolina High Country could become impassable within hours as heavy snow and 60 mph wind gusts batter Avery and Mitchell counties through Monday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until midnight Monday night for Avery County and for elevations above 3,500 feet in Mitchell County. Additional snowfall of up to 6 inches is expected in Avery County, including Newland and Banner Elk. In Mitchell County, 2 to 9 inches could fall above 3,500 feet, with up to 5 inches below that elevation under a Winter Weather Advisory. Winds may gust as high as 60 mph, with wind chills dropping to 5 degrees below zero early Monday.
Blowing and drifting snow will reduce visibility along U.S. 221, N.C. 184 and N.C. 181. Strong winds combined with heavy, wet snow may down tree limbs and power lines, leading to isolated outages.
Both the Monday morning and evening commutes could be heavily impacted. Officials urge residents to check 511 for updated road conditions, delay non-essential travel and carry winter emergency supplies.
Snow and strong winds will persist through late Monday evening before gradually easing after midnight.
