The primary threat is slick roads, especially during the Tuesday morning commute, as temperatures hover at or below freezing during the overnight hours.
Affected Counties and Ice Accumulation Estimates
The advisory covers two distinct NWS forecast areas, with varying precipitation and ice totals. The most critical information is the expected ice accumulation, which dictates the severity of travel and power outage risks.
Higher Ice Accumulation (Up to 0.2" Ice Glaze)
Counties: Avery, Yancey, Mitchell
Mountain Areas: Burke Mountains, McDowell Mountains, Caldwell Mountains
Hazard: Mixed precipitation, primarily freezing rain, leading to ice accumulations up to two-tenths of an inch (0.2"). This level significantly increases the risk of isolated power outages.
Lower Ice Accumulation (Around 0.1" Ice Glaze)
Counties: Buncombe, Henderson
Mountain Areas: Polk Mountains, Rutherford Mountains
Hazard: Freezing rain, leading to ice accumulations around one-tenth of an inch (0.1").
Specific Areas of Concern: The ice accumulation potential will be mainly over the eastern parts of Buncombe and Henderson counties, east of areas like Swannanoa, Fairview, and Edneyville to the Blue Ridge Escarpment.
Note: No ice accumulation is expected at this time in the city limits of Asheville or Hendersonville.
Forecast for Tuesday, December 2, 2025
The weather system will transition throughout Tuesday, bringing a brief warmup followed by a sharp drop in temperatures.
Morning (Until 10 a.m.): The Commute Risk
Hazardous conditions will be present due to black ice and slippery roads, bridges, and sidewalks. Folks in the advisory area should limit travel.
Most locations are expected to rise above freezing by 7 a.m., changing the freezing rain to cold, regular rain.
Afternoon and Evening: Tapering and Deep Freeze
Precipitation is expected to taper off by early afternoon.
Colder, strong winds are expected in the afternoon, potentially switching the lingering rain to snow showers or flurries along the high peaks near the Tennessee border. Any accumulations are expected to be minor, generally less than 1 inch.
Tuesday Night temperatures will plunge rapidly, dropping into the upper teens and lower 20s across the mountains.
⚠️ Precautionary and Preparedness Actions
The National Weather Service recommends taking the following steps:
Travel Safety: Slow down and use extreme caution while traveling. Assume all wet-looking surfaces, especially bridges and overpasses, are covered in black ice.
Road Conditions: Obtain the latest road conditions for North Carolina by calling 511.
Power Outages: Prepare for the possibility of power outages, particularly in the higher-elevation counties where ice accumulations are forecast to be heavier (Avery, Yancey, Mitchell). Have flashlights, battery-powered radios, and warm blankets accessible.