Knoxville, Tennessee – A high-impact winter storm could bring a dangerous mix of heavy snow and significant ice across east Tennessee and nearby areas beginning late Friday night, with travel disruptions and power outages likely through Sunday evening. Conditions could deteriorate quickly, making some roads impassable for extended periods.
According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from late Friday night through Sunday evening for much of east Tennessee, southwest Virginia, and portions of western North Carolina. Snow accumulations between 4 and 10 inches are possible, especially north of Knoxville toward the Kentucky border and far southwest Virginia. South of Knoxville, freezing rain and sleet may dominate, with ice accumulations up to one-half inch possible, particularly across the southern Cumberland Plateau.
Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Morristown, Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, Cleveland, and Chattanooga could all see hazardous conditions at some point during the storm. Major travel routes including I-40, I-75, I-81, and mountain roads through the Smokies and Cumberland Plateau may become extremely dangerous as snow and ice build up. Tree damage and power outages are likely where ice accumulates.
Residents are urged to complete preparations early, avoid non-essential travel, and plan for possible prolonged power disruptions. Forecasters stress that the exact placement of the heaviest snow and ice may shift, and additional watches or warnings are likely as the system evolves.
