Knoxville, Tennessee – Winter weather chances are increasing across eastern Tennessee, with snow probabilities now ranging from 15% to 35% as a coastal storm system strengthens and colder air settles into the southern Appalachians between 7 p.m. Friday and 7 p.m. Monday.
According to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, a developing low-pressure system is expected to track northward along the East Coast this weekend. While the storm’s core is forecast to remain east of Tennessee, expanding moisture combined with colder air and upslope flow is increasing the likelihood of snow in higher elevations and nearby valleys.
The highest probabilities, near 25%–35%, are focused across northeast and east-central Tennessee, including areas near the I-40 and I-75 corridors, the Cumberland Plateau, and the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Lower elevations farther west remain closer to the 15%–20% range.
Any winter precipitation is most likely late Saturday into Sunday, particularly during overnight and early morning hours. Snowfall amounts, if they occur, are expected to be light, but even minor accumulations could create slick conditions on mountain roads, bridges, and untreated secondary routes.
Travel impacts, if realized, would mainly affect higher elevations and exposed roadways, including U.S. Route 441, U.S. Route 129, and portions of Interstate 40 near the Tennessee–North Carolina line. Reduced visibility is possible during snow showers.
Forecasters note that confidence is gradually increasing, especially in higher terrain, though overall impacts are still expected to remain limited. Small shifts in storm track or colder-than-expected temperatures could further raise snow chances.
Residents are encouraged to monitor official forecasts and prepare for changing conditions. Weekend travelers, mountain communities, and early-morning commuters in eastern Tennessee should remain alert as winter weather probabilities continue to trend upward.
