JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – A wintry system moving through the southern Appalachians is spreading light snow and freezing conditions across eastern Tennessee and southwest Virginia this Monday, making for slippery roads in the higher elevations through early Tuesday. Most areas will see 1 to 3 inches of snow, with isolated higher amounts possible along the tallest ridges.
According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 7 a.m. EST Tuesday for Johnson, Carter, and Monroe Counties in Tennessee, and Lee, Wise, Russell, and Washington Counties in Virginia. A separate advisory is in effect from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. EST Monday for Bledsoe, Campbell, Morgan, and Scott Counties, including the Cumberland Plateau region.
Snow will develop early Monday afternoon, intensifying during the evening as colder air settles over the mountains. Roads will become slick, especially along U.S. 421, I-26 near Erwin, and U.S. 58 across southwest Virginia, where visibility may briefly drop below a half mile in heavier snow showers.
Drivers are urged to slow down and allow extra time for travel, particularly during the evening commute. While lower valleys may see only light accumulations, elevated areas above 1,500 feet could see several inches and icy patches overnight.
Conditions are expected to improve by sunrise Tuesday as snow tapers and temperatures stabilize near freezing.
