Asheville, North Carolina – Mountain communities across western North Carolina are facing a high-impact winter setup today as snow continues to accumulate and sharply colder air drives temperatures well below freezing tonight, creating dangerous travel and overnight conditions.
According to the National Weather Service office in Greenville-Spartanburg, storm-total snowfall in the higher elevations near Asheville, Waynesville, and along the Blue Ridge Parkway is expected to range from 4 to 8 inches, with isolated peaks seeing as much as 8 to 12 inches. Lower elevations around Asheville may see lighter totals, but snow-covered and icy roads remain likely through Thursday.
High temperatures Thursday will struggle to climb out of the 20s in the mountains, with Asheville expected to top out near 25 degrees. Areas north toward Burnsville and Newland may remain even colder, while foothill and Upstate locations only reach the mid to upper 30s. Gusty northwest winds will add an extra bite, especially at higher elevations.
Thursday night will bring the coldest conditions of the event. Overnight lows are expected to fall into the single digits and teens across western North Carolina, including around Asheville, with wind chills dropping even lower. Any untreated moisture on roads, bridges, and sidewalks will refreeze quickly.
Travel along I-40, I-26, and secondary mountain roads may remain hazardous, particularly after sunset. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, dress in layers, and protect pets, pipes, and exposed plumbing. Snow showers taper by Thursday afternoon, but dangerous cold lingers into Friday morning, and additional cold weather advisories may follow.
