BRYSON CITY, N.C. – A sprawling winter storm continues to dump heavy snow across the higher elevations of western North Carolina and eastern West Virginia, snarling travel and knocking out power for some mountain communities early Monday. Snow totals are climbing quickly in the Smokies and central Appalachians, with accumulations over a foot above 5,000 feet and 4 to 8 inches common elsewhere.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Greenville-Spartanburg, SC, and Charleston, WV, multiple Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect through 7 a.m. EST Tuesday. The warnings cover Swain County, NC, including the Smokies above 3,500 feet, and a wide stretch of Randolph, Pocahontas, Webster, and Nicholas Counties in West Virginia. Winds gusting to 45 mph will continue to create whiteout conditions and cause tree damage from the weight of wet snow.
Transportation officials urge drivers to avoid nonessential travel on mountain roads, including Newfound Gap Road (US 441) and US 219 near Snowshoe, where drifting snow and fallen branches have made some areas impassable. Power crews are on standby as the combination of heavy snow and wind brings down lines across wooded ridges.
Residents are advised to prepare for extended outages and dangerous wind chills overnight. Those who must travel should pack emergency supplies and expect reduced visibility through early Tuesday, when conditions gradually improve from west to east.
