Knoxville, Tennessee – Snow and gusty winds are expected to impact portions of east Tennessee and southwest Virginia beginning Wednesday afternoon, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Winter Weather Advisory for multiple counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, the advisory is in effect from 3 p.m. Wednesday until 11 a.m. Thursday for much of east Tennessee, including Johnson, Cocke, Unicoi, Carter, Greene, Blount, Sevier, and Monroe counties, along with the Smoky Mountains region. Additional advisories are also in place for Wise and Russell counties in southwest Virginia.
Forecasters expect snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches across lower elevations, with up to 6 inches possible above 5,000 feet, particularly in the higher terrain of the Smoky Mountains. In southwest Virginia, snowfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected. Winds may gust as high as 40 mph in east Tennessee and up to 35 mph in parts of southwest Virginia, potentially reducing visibility and creating blowing snow in exposed areas.
The greatest impacts are expected during the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes, when roads, bridges, and overpasses are likely to become slick and hazardous. Mountain roads and higher elevation communities may experience the most difficult travel conditions.
The National Weather Service urges drivers to slow down and use caution, especially overnight when temperatures drop and icy conditions develop. Residents are encouraged to check the latest road conditions by dialing 511 before traveling.
This system may also affect students, early-shift workers, and mountain communities, where snow and gusty winds could combine to create rapidly changing conditions.
Additional advisories or updates may be issued as the system moves through the region.
