Asheville, North Carolina – Dangerous winter conditions are returning to the North Carolina mountains tonight as an arctic front sweeps through, bringing snow, powerful winds, and plunging temperatures that could quickly create hazardous travel and life-threatening cold exposure at higher elevations.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, precipitation will change from rain to snow this evening across elevations above 3,500 feet, with peak snowfall rates expected early tonight. Winter Weather Advisories are in effect through midday Thursday for Mitchell, Yancey, Madison, Haywood, Graham, and Swain counties. Snow totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected across most higher elevations, with some peaks in the Smokies picking up 8 to 12 inches.
Valley locations, including Asheville and surrounding foothills, may see rain briefly mix with snow late tonight, but accumulations are expected to remain light, generally an inch or less. Even limited snowfall could still lead to slick roads as temperatures fall quickly overnight.
A Wind Advisory is in effect for Avery County and high elevations of Mitchell, Yancey, and Buncombe counties from late tonight through Thursday evening. Sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 to 60 mph are expected along exposed ridges, increasing the risk for downed limbs, isolated power outages, and blowing snow.
Cold Weather Advisories are also in effect overnight into Friday morning for elevations above 3,500 feet. Wind chill values are expected to drop between -5 and -15 degrees, making frostbite or hypothermia possible with prolonged exposure.
Travel across mountain routes such as I-26, I-40 through the Pigeon River Gorge, U.S. 19, and the Blue Ridge Parkway could become dangerous late tonight into Thursday morning. Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, dress in layers, and prepare for rapidly changing conditions.
Winter weather advisories remain in effect through Thursday, and additional updates are expected as the cold and wind intensify.
