Bristol, Virginia – Snow showers and gusty northwest winds will continue across southwest Virginia and the far east Tennessee mountains through Monday night, creating icy roads and wind chills near zero. Higher elevations could see several inches of accumulation, especially along ridge tops and mountain passes.
According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until midnight Monday night for Wise, Russell and Washington counties in Virginia, as well as Johnson, Unicoi, Carter, Greene, Cocke, Blount and Sevier counties in Tennessee’s mountain communities. Most areas will see 1 to 4 inches of snow, with 4 to 6 inches possible on the highest Virginia peaks and 4 to 8 inches above 4,000 feet in the Smokies. Wind gusts between 35 and 40 mph will drive wind chills down to 5 to 10 degrees below zero at the highest elevations.
Across the region, snow- and ice-covered stretches of U.S. 58 near Damascus, Interstate 26 near Erwin and U.S. 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains could become hazardous, particularly during heavier bursts this evening and again Monday morning.
The most difficult travel conditions are expected during both the Monday morning and evening commutes. Officials urge drivers to slow down, use caution on bridges and sidewalks, and prepare for isolated tree damage from gusty winds.
Snow showers will taper late Monday night, but icy patches may linger into early Tuesday. Advisories remain in effect until midnight Monday night.
