BRYSON CITY, N.C. – A potent mountain snowstorm will blanket the high ridges of western North Carolina tonight, delivering the heaviest snowfall of the season so far to the Great Smoky Mountains. Residents and travelers near the Tennessee line should brace for blowing snow, high winds, and near-whiteout conditions at higher elevations through early Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 7 p.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Tuesday for Swain County, primarily above 3,500 feet. The Smokies could see up to 8 inches of snow, with gusts approaching 45 mph making travel treacherous and potentially cutting power in exposed areas. Lower valleys may see lighter accumulations, but mountain roads — including U.S. 441 through Newfound Gap and the Blue Ridge Parkway — could become impassable by Monday.
Forecasters warn that the combination of heavy snow and strong winds may snap tree limbs and down power lines, especially across the higher terrain near Clingmans Dome and Alarka. Travelers are urged to avoid unnecessary mountain travel, carry emergency supplies, and check park and road conditions before heading into higher elevations.
Snow will taper gradually late Monday night, but bitter winds will keep wind chills in the teens through Tuesday morning. The pattern remains active, with another shot of cold air expected by late week as early-winter weather tightens its grip on the southern Appalachians.
