Gatlinburg, Tenn. – Snow showers and biting winds are making mountain roads slick across the Smokies and into southwest Virginia early Monday, with dangerous wind chills expected on the highest peaks by daybreak.
According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until midnight Monday night for Johnson, Unicoi, southeast Greene and Carter counties, along with the Smoky Mountain zones of Cocke, Blount and Sevier counties. Snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are expected between 2,000 and 4,000 feet, with 2 to 4 inches above 4,000 feet and isolated higher totals on the highest peaks. Northwest winds may gust to 40 mph, pushing wind chills to 5 to 10 degrees below zero at the highest elevations.
Roads through Gatlinburg, Cades Cove and along U.S. 441 over Newfound Gap could become snow-covered and slick, especially during heavier bursts.
In southwest Virginia, Wise, Russell and Washington counties may pick up 1 to 3 inches, with lighter totals in Lee and Scott counties. Wind chills there could drop near zero as gusts reach 35 mph.
Both the morning and evening commutes could see hazardous travel. Officials urge drivers to check 511, slow down and use caution on bridges and untreated roads. Snow showers will taper late tonight, but icy patches may linger into early Tuesday.
