Southern Appalachians — A high-impact winter storm is expected to bring dangerous winter weather to the Southern Appalachian region this weekend, with heavy snow, strong winds, and life-threatening cold impacting parts of western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, southwest Virginia, and southeast West Virginia.
According to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, a rapidly intensifying storm system will interact with entrenched Arctic air across the mountains beginning late Saturday, continuing through Sunday morning. This combination is expected to produce widespread snowfall totals of 6 to 12 inches, with locally higher amounts exceeding one foot at higher elevations along the Blue Ridge, Great Smoky Mountains, and Mount Rogers area.
Snow will develop Saturday and quickly intensify Saturday night as winds strengthen. Blowing and drifting snow may significantly reduce visibility, leading to near-blizzard conditions in exposed areas. Travel may become extremely hazardous or impossible, particularly along major mountain corridors including I-40 through the Pigeon River Gorge, I-26 near Sam’s Gap, I-81 in southwest Virginia, and mountain routes such as US-421 and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
As the storm pulls away Sunday, dangerously cold Arctic air will surge into the region. Wind chills are expected to drop well below zero, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia in as little as minutes. Power outages are possible due to snow-loaded trees and gusty winds, which could further complicate recovery efforts in higher terrain.
Officials urge residents to complete preparations immediately, avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm conditions, and ensure emergency supplies are on hand. Mountain travelers, truck drivers, and outdoor recreationists should strongly consider postponing plans.
This storm has the potential to be one of the most disruptive winter weather events of the season for the Southern Appalachians. Residents are advised to closely monitor updates and heed all winter storm warnings through the weekend.
