Knoxville, Tennessee – A potentially high-impact winter storm is expected to spread across east Tennessee and nearby Appalachian regions late Friday night, bringing a dangerous mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain that could make travel nearly impossible through Sunday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from late Friday night through Sunday evening for much of east Tennessee, southwest Virginia, and portions of southwest North Carolina. Snow accumulations of up to 6 inches are possible, especially north of Knoxville toward the Kentucky border and into southwest Virginia, while ice accumulations between one-tenth and one-quarter of an inch are expected farther south.
In Tennessee, communities including Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Morristown, Sevierville, Johnson City, Kingsport, Cleveland, and Chattanooga could see rapidly deteriorating road conditions as snow and ice develop. The southern Cumberland Plateau and Tennessee Valley, along with nearby areas of southwest North Carolina, face the highest risk for damaging ice that could bring down trees and power lines.
Officials warn that travel could become nearly impossible at times, particularly on mountain roads, bridges, and secondary routes. Power outages are likely where ice accumulates the longest, with impacts potentially lasting into the weekend.
Forecasters stress that the storm track and precipitation types remain uncertain, and shifts could significantly change where the heaviest snow or ice occurs. Residents are urged to complete preparations early, avoid non-essential travel, and closely monitor updates as watches may be upgraded and impacts evolve through the weekend.
