Mountain City, Tennessee – Travel across the higher terrain of northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia is expected to become hazardous late Wednesday as snow spreads into the region, creating slick roads and difficult driving conditions through Thursday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning for Johnson, Unicoi, and portions of Carter, Greene, and Monroe counties in northeast Tennessee. Snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are expected, with locally higher totals along the highest peaks. Wind gusts up to 35 mph could cause blowing snow, further reducing visibility on exposed mountain roads.
Communities including Mountain City, Erwin, Hampton, Trade, Shady Valley, and Coker Creek are likely to see snow-covered roads by Wednesday evening. Bridges and overpasses are expected to become slick first, increasing the risk of accidents during the evening and Thursday morning commutes.
In southwest Virginia, a Winter Weather Advisory is also in effect for Wise and Russell counties, including Wise, Norton, Big Stone Gap, Lebanon, and Castlewood. Snow totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected, with similar impacts on untreated roads and elevated surfaces.
Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra travel time, and avoid unnecessary travel if possible. Tennessee and Virginia transportation officials recommend checking 511 for current road conditions. Snow is expected to taper off by late Thursday morning, though slick spots could linger into the afternoon, especially in shaded and higher elevation areas.
