Winter Storm to Impact Western North Carolina: Snowfall, Ice, Potential Outages

Storm Timing and Duration

The winter storm is expected to begin early Friday morning, with snowfall intensifying in the afternoon and continuing through the evening and overnight hours. The storm is forecast to taper off by Saturday morning, January 11.

Areas Affected and Forecasted Snowfall

The entire Western North Carolina region will experience wintry weather, with varying snowfall accumulations across different areas:

Asheville: 2 to 5 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible.
Boone: 3 to 6 inches of snow, with additional accumulations likely through Saturday.
Sylva: 2 to 4 inches of snow.
Hendersonville: 1 to 3 inches of snow, with icy conditions possible.
Waynesville: 2 to 4 inches of snow.
Franklin: 1 to 3 inches of snow, with sleet and freezing rain in some areas.
Bryson City: 2 to 4 inches of snow.
Murphy: 2 to 4 inches of snow, with freezing rain risks.

Ice and Freezing Rain Risks

 

In addition to snowfall, many areas are expected to experience sleet and freezing rain, leading to ice accumulations of up to 0.25 inches in some locations. These conditions will make travel particularly hazardous and increase the risk of power outages.

 

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the region, effective from 7:00 AM Friday through 7:00 AM Saturday. The watch warns of significant snow, sleet, and ice accumulations that may make travel dangerous and cause widespread disruptions.

 

Travel: Roads are expected to become treacherous and potentially impassable due to snow and ice. Conditions may rapidly deteriorate, especially during the Friday evening commute.
Power Outages: The weight of snow and ice on tree limbs and power lines could lead to scattered power outages.
School and Business Closures: Many schools and businesses across the region have already announced closures or delays in anticipation of the storm.

Preparation Tips

 

 

Residents are urged to take the following precautions:

Stay Updated: Monitor local weather reports, including updates from the National Weather Service (www.weather.gov/gsp).
Limit Travel: Avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. If travel is essential, equip your vehicle with an emergency kit and allow extra time.
Prepare for Power Outages: Ensure you have emergency supplies, such as flashlights, batteries, blankets, and non-perishable food. Charge your devices and keep them on hand.
Protect Pets and Livestock: Ensure animals have adequate shelter and access to unfrozen water.
Check on Neighbors: Elderly or vulnerable neighbors may need assistance preparing for the storm.

Community Resources

 

Emergency services and local government agencies are preparing for storm response. 

 

Residents are strongly encouraged to stay informed by monitoring updates from the National Weather Service (NWS) and local news outlets. Adjust your plans accordingly and prepare for varying conditions across Western North Carolina. Stay safe and exercise caution throughout the storm's duratiion.

 

WNCTimes

 

Image: WNCTime