Greenville, South Carolina – Heavy snow will begin piling up in the higher elevations of Mitchell County at midnight, with up to 10 inches expected above 3,500 feet and wind gusts strong enough to cause near whiteout conditions before the Monday commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from midnight through midnight Monday night for elevations above 3,500 feet in Mitchell County. Snow totals between 5 and 10 inches are likely in those higher elevations. Below 3,500 feet, a Winter Weather Advisory calls for 1 to 4 inches, with higher amounts possible along the Tennessee border. Wind gusts up to 50 mph may produce blowing snow and very low visibility Sunday night and Monday.
Communities including Spruce Pine and Poplar could see snow-covered roads quickly after midnight. Higher terrain routes near Roan Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway may become impassable at times. The weight of wet snow combined with strong winds could bring down tree limbs and lead to isolated power outages.
Both the Monday morning and evening commutes are expected to be impacted. Residents should avoid non-essential travel in higher elevations, prepare emergency supplies and monitor North Carolina 511 for road conditions. Snow tapers late Monday night, but drifting and icy patches may linger into early Tuesday.
