North Carolina Mountains – Multiple National Weather Service advisories remain in effect Thursday for high-elevation areas, with snow, damaging winds, and dangerous cold expected to overlap across the region.
According to the National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg, a Winter Weather Advisory continues through noon Thursday for elevations above 3,500 feet in Mitchell, Yancey, Madison, Haywood, Graham, and Swain counties. Additional snowfall of 3 to 6 inches is possible near the Tennessee border, particularly along higher ridgelines. Snow is expected to taper by late morning, though flurries may persist into the afternoon.
A Wind Advisory remains in effect through 7 p.m. Thursday for Avery County and for high elevations in Buncombe, Yancey, and Mitchell counties. Sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts reaching 45 to 55 mph are expected, especially along exposed ridges. The National Weather Service warns that winds of this strength may down trees and power lines, leading to isolated power outages.
In addition, a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect through 7 a.m. Friday for elevations above 3,500 feet. Overnight temperatures are forecast to fall into the lower teens to single digits, with wind chill values between -5°F and -15°F. Prolonged exposure could result in hypothermia or frostbite, particularly during overnight and early morning hours.
Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing through Thursday night, increasing the risk of icy conditions on untreated mountain roads.
Commuters, outdoor workers, and students in high-elevation communities should prepare for hazardous travel and extreme cold exposure.
