Spruce Pine, NC – Roads above 3,500 feet in Mitchell County could become impassable within hours as heavy snow and 55 mph wind gusts slam the higher elevations through midnight Monday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for elevations above 3,500 feet, where an additional 2 to 10 inches of snow is expected. A Winter Weather Advisory continues below 3,500 feet, with up to 7 inches possible. Wind gusts between 50 and 55 mph will increase the risk of blowing snow and falling trees.
Higher ridges near the Tennessee border face the greatest impact, but communities including Spruce Pine and Poplar will also see accumulating snow on primary and secondary roads. The weight of wet snow combined with strong winds could snap tree limbs and damage power lines, raising the risk of widespread outages.
Travel conditions may deteriorate rapidly Sunday night and remain hazardous for both the Monday morning and evening commutes. Residents should charge devices, secure outdoor items and keep emergency supplies in vehicles if travel is unavoidable. Drivers can check 511 for the latest North Carolina road conditions.
Heavy snow and gusty winds will persist through midnight Monday night, and additional alerts could follow if snowfall intensifies.
