Gatlinburg, TN – A potent early-season winter storm is set to blanket the Smoky Mountains with several inches of snow from Sunday evening through Monday afternoon, threatening slick roads and difficult travel for the start of the workweek.
According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Blount, Cocke, and Sevier County mountain zones, including Gatlinburg, Cades Cove, Hartford, and Elkmont. Snow is expected to begin late Sunday, intensifying overnight as colder air deepens over the higher elevations.
The NWS says 2 to 4 inches of accumulation are likely above 3,000 feet, with 4 to 7 inches possible on peaks over 5,000 feet. Gusty winds up to 35 mph could create brief whiteout conditions on mountain passes, including Newfound Gap Road and sections of the Foothills Parkway.
Travel may become treacherous for early commuters Monday, particularly across the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and routes connecting Gatlinburg to Cherokee, North Carolina. TDOT crews are preparing brine operations and urging drivers to delay mountain travel if possible.
Residents and visitors should prepare for sudden drops in temperature, slick bridges, and low visibility. Officials advise dressing in layers, keeping an emergency kit in vehicles, and monitoring local road updates before heading out.
Colder air will linger into Tuesday with lingering flurries before a gradual warmup midweek.
