Banner Elk, NC – Residents across the high elevations of western North Carolina are being urged to prepare for dangerously cold conditions overnight as the National Weather Service issues Cold Weather Advisories for several mountain counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville–Spartanburg, the advisories will be in effect from 9 p.m. Monday through noon EST Tuesday, with wind chills dropping as low as 10 degrees below zero in exposed mountain areas.
The advisory includes Avery County, covering communities such as Banner Elk, Newland, and Ingalls, where the cold will impact all elevations. In Mitchell and Yancey counties, including Burnsville, Spruce Pine, Micaville, Celo, Swiss, and Busick, the advisory applies above 3,500 feet, where wind exposure significantly increases the danger.
Meteorologists warn that prolonged exposure to these temperatures can lead to hypothermia or frostbite, even in a relatively short period of time. Ridge tops and open areas will feel the coldest, especially overnight and during the early morning hours Tuesday.
Officials urge residents and visitors to limit time outdoors, dress in multiple layers, and wear hats and gloves. Those traveling through mountain roads should be prepared for rapidly worsening conditions if vehicles become disabled in the cold. Pets should be brought indoors, and livestock should have access to warm shelter and unfrozen water.
Temperatures are expected to slowly improve Tuesday afternoon as winds ease, but officials stress that the overnight period poses the greatest risk, particularly at higher elevations.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts and heed all weather advisories as this Arctic air mass settles over the North Carolina mountains.
