Asheville, NC – Residents across western North Carolina are facing dangerously cold conditions tonight as an Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect through Sunday, bringing life-threatening wind chills and strong mountain winds.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, wind chills are expected to drop between -18 and -22 degrees in higher elevations, with single-digit below-zero wind chills extending into foothills and nearby Piedmont areas. The coldest conditions are expected overnight into early Sunday morning.
The warning covers mountain counties including Madison, Haywood, Buncombe, Macon, Swain, Transylvania, Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey, along with portions of western North Carolina, northeast Georgia, and Upstate South Carolina. In many mountain locations, the Extreme Cold Warning remains active until 1 p.m. Sunday, while lower elevations remain under warning until 10 a.m. Sunday.
In addition to the cold, a Wind Advisory is in effect for several mountain counties, with northwest winds of 15–25 mph and gusts up to 55 mph, increasing the risk of falling tree limbs, blowing debris, and scattered power outages.
Weather officials warn that frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes, and prolonged exposure could lead to hypothermia. Pets, livestock, and vulnerable populations are especially at risk.
Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, dress in multiple layers including hats and face coverings, and bring pets indoors. To prevent frozen pipes, officials recommend allowing faucets to drip and properly insulating exposed plumbing. Drivers of high-profile vehicles should use caution due to strong crosswinds in mountain areas.
Emergency officials also stress safe heating practices, warning residents not to use grills or generators indoors and to check on elderly neighbors and family members during the cold snap.
