Greenville, South Carolina – Drivers along I-26 in the North Carolina mountains should prepare for snow-covered roads and wind gusts up to 55 mph through midnight Tuesday, creating hazardous travel across higher elevations near the NC/TN border.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 12 a.m. Tuesday for Avery County and elevations above 3,500 feet in Mitchell County. A Winter Weather Advisory continues through midnight for lower elevations in Mitchell County and counties along the North Carolina/Tennessee line. Additional snowfall of 1 to 4 inches is expected below 3,500 feet, with 4 to 7 inches possible at the highest peaks. Gusts in the mountains could reach 40 to 55 mph before easing later tonight.
Across Upstate South Carolina, including Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson, northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph will persist through Monday evening. While snowfall will remain confined to the higher terrain, wind chills are projected to fall into the teens overnight, with single digits to below zero across the highest ridges.
Travelers on I-40 near Asheville, US-421 near Boone and I-26 through Madison and Yancey counties may encounter blowing snow and sudden drops in visibility. North Carolina DOT crews are monitoring conditions, especially along mountain passes and bridges where icy patches can form quickly.
Residents should secure loose outdoor objects, limit mountain travel overnight and dress in layers to prevent frostbite at higher elevations. Conditions improve Tuesday morning as winds weaken, but cold temperatures will linger into early daybreak. Additional updates may be issued if snow bands intensify before midnight.
