The National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued the advisory for numerous mountain counties, including Buncombe, Madison, Haywood, Transylvania, and Jackson.
Advisory Details and Timing
The advisory goes into effect at 7 p.m. Thursday and carries through 10 a.m. Friday for elevations above 3,500 feet. For counties along the northern Blue Ridge, the advisory is extended until 1 p.m. Friday.
Precipitation is expected to develop first in the southwest mountains. A layer of warmer air aloft combined with rapidly falling surface temperatures means many areas will see rain transition directly to freezing rain (ice) overnight. Areas along the northern Blue Ridge, including the High Country, may see an initial period of snow or a rain/snow mix before a transition to ice after midnight.
Hazardous Travel Expected
The primary threat is slick roads caused by ice accumulation. The NWS is urging drivers to adjust travel plans, particularly for the Friday morning rush hour.
"Road conditions may become hazardous overnight as light snow transitions to freezing rain," stated the NWS. "The Weather Service urges drivers to slow down and check 511 for road updates before traveling."
While foothill communities east of the mountains may see up to three-quarters of an inch of snow, accumulations are expected to remain below advisory levels. Snow accumulations in the highest elevations of the Northern Blue Ridge could reach 2 to 4 inches before transitioning to an icy mix.
Lingering Cold and Weekend Outlook
Cold conditions and lingering chances for precipitation are expected to persist into early next week.
Saturday Night: Forecasters say another round of light freezing rain is possible in the mountains.
Sunday/Monday: A cold front arriving late Sunday may produce more northwest-flow snow near the Tennessee border. Temperatures are expected to drop well below normal on Monday and Tuesday, ensuring prolonged cold weather.
Meteorologists continue to refine the exact placement of the snow and ice transition zone across the Carolinas, but residents in WNC are strongly advised to prepare for difficult driving conditions through Friday morning.
WNCTimes