Asheville, North Carolina – A dangerous blast of winter cold will slam the mountains of western North Carolina Sunday evening, with life-threatening wind chills expected at higher elevations through Monday morning.
The most severe conditions will develop after sunset Sunday, especially above 3,500 feet, where strong northwest winds combine with plunging temperatures. Wind chills between 5 below and 10 below are expected across many mountain ridges, with values dropping as low as 15 to 20 below on the highest peaks. Exposure at those levels can lead to frostbite or hypothermia in a short time.
According to the National Weather Service office in Greenville-Spartanburg, a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from 5 p.m. Sunday to 9 a.m. Monday for the high elevations of Madison, Yancey, Mitchell, Swain, Haywood, Graham, Northern Jackson, and Avery counties. Avery County, including Banner Elk and areas above 5,000 feet, is expected to see some of the coldest wind chills in the region.
Communities such as Waynesville, Burnsville, Spruce Pine, Mars Hill, Robbinsville, Bryson City, Canton, Banner Elk, and Newland will feel the sharp drop in temperatures Sunday night. Travel along mountain roads, including portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway and U.S. 19E and 441, could become hazardous due to bitter cold and strong winds, especially for stranded motorists.
According to emergency management officials, residents and visitors should avoid unnecessary outdoor activity Sunday night, wear insulated layers, hats, and gloves, and cover all exposed skin. Anyone hiking or camping in the high country should reconsider plans and move to lower elevations. Pets should be brought indoors, and pipes at seasonal cabins should be protected before evening.
Conditions slowly improve after sunrise Monday, but cold air lingers across the mountains into early next week.
