Weather
Tennessee Snow Winter Advisory Tonight: Up to 4 Inches by Saturday Nov 14
Knoxville, TN – Winter weather is heading toward the mountains of East Tennessee Thursday evening, November 12, with up to 4 inches of snow expected at higher elevations and hazardous travel condition
By Blake Harrison · 2026-11-12T08:48:40.765Z
Knoxville, TN – Winter weather is heading toward the mountains of East Tennessee Thursday evening, November 12, with up to 4 inches of snow expected at higher elevations and hazardous travel conditions possible through Saturday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for elevations above 3,000 feet across portions of the southern Appalachian Mountains in Tennessee.
The advisory begins at 7 p.m. Thursday and remains in effect until 7 a.m. Saturday, November 14, covering mountain areas in Johnson, Cocke, Greene, Unicoi, Carter, Blount, Sevier and Monroe counties.
Forecasters expect snowfall accumulations between 1 and 4 inches, with locally higher totals possible across the highest mountain peaks.
Wind gusts could reach 35 mph, adding to hazardous conditions along exposed mountain roads and elevated passes.
The advisory includes portions of the Great Smoky Mountains and surrounding high terrain, where temperatures and road conditions can differ significantly from nearby lower elevation communities.
Several major mountain routes could experience slippery driving conditions, including Interstate 26 at Sam's Gap, U.S. Highway 441 at Newfound Gap, U.S. Highway 421 at Trade Gap and Tennessee Highway 165 at Beech Gap along the Cherohala Skyway.
The National Weather Service specifically warns that Thursday evening and Friday morning commuters could encounter hazardous travel conditions.
Drivers heading into the mountains should prepare for snow covered pavement, reduced traction and rapidly changing conditions as elevation increases.
Although snowfall is expected primarily above 3,000 feet, motorists traveling from lower elevations into mountain passes could encounter winter weather with little warning.
Residents and visitors planning trips through the Smokies or other high elevation areas should monitor forecasts and check road conditions before departing.
Officials recommend reducing speeds and allowing additional travel time.
Current Tennessee road conditions are available by dialing 511 or visiting Tennessee 511 .
Additional forecasts are available from the National Weather Service Morristown .