ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A burst of winter is set to collide with autumn’s lingering warmth in the North Carolina mountains as a powerful arctic front pushes in late Sunday, delivering the season’s first significant snow, dangerous wind chills and rapidly shifting conditions across the region.
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Swain County beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday. Elevations above 3,500 feet — especially in the Smokies — could see heavy snow with totals up to 8 inches, while wind gusts up to 45 mph may produce blowing snow, reduced visibility and scattered power outages from downed limbs and lines.
The agency emphasized the threat in an updated afternoon briefing, saying more than a foot of snow appears likely across the higher elevations of the Smokies. Two to six inches are expected along the immediate North Carolina–Tennessee border, with locally higher amounts on the highest peaks. Lighter accumulations may extend into nearby mountain areas.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Avery County, where up to 3 inches of snow is forecast, with higher totals possible on the ridges. Slick, snow-covered roads may impact the Monday morning and evening commutes.
Similar advisories are posted for Graham, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell and Yancey counties, where up to 4 inches of snow is possible above 3,500 feet and isolated higher amounts could fall above 5,000 feet. Forecasters warn of hazardous travel and the potential for scattered outages throughout the region.
Drivers should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, carry emergency supplies and check updated forecasts before heading out.
In Asheville, the weekend’s mild weather won’t last. Temperatures will fall sharply Sunday night, with a low near 27 degrees and wind gusts topping 30 mph. Snow showers are possible Monday afternoon, though little to no accumulation is expected in the city.
Monday’s high will struggle to reach 34 degrees, with wind gusts up to 34 mph making it feel even colder. The temperature is expected to plunge into the teens Monday night before a slow warmup begins midweek.
Veterans Day will be sunny but brisk, with a high near 44 degrees. By Wednesday and late week, highs should rebound into the 60s.
Check 828newsNOW.com Monday morning for any school closures or delays.
