This is a developing story and will be updated.
01/09/25 6 am - A Winter Storm Watch, set to go into effect at 7 AM Friday morning, remains in place for all of Western North Carolina. The latest forecast from the National Weather Service shows a slight decrease in predicted snowfall amounts and an increase in ice accumulations along and south of the I-85 corridor. Precipitation will begin as snow Friday morning into early afternoon, transitioning to a wintry mix Friday evening into early Saturday morning. Significant travel disruptions are expected, with isolated power outages possible due to ice.
Timing:
- Snow will begin Friday morning into early afternoon, transitioning to a wintry mix Friday evening into early Saturday morning.
Snowfall Expectations:
- Mountains: 4-6 inches of snow expected in the Smokies, Balsams, Nantahala Mountains, and nearby valleys.
- French Broad Valley (Asheville area): 1–2 inches.
- Foothills & NW Piedmont: 1-3 inches of snow anticipated.
- I-85 Corridor & Southeast: Around 1 inch of snow/sleet, with ice accumulations of 0.10-0.20 inches (locally up to 0.25 inches).
Potential Impacts:
- Ice: May bring down trees and power lines, leading to isolated power outages.
- Travel: Roads are expected to become hazardous across much of the region.
01/08/25 5 pm - Friday's Winter Storm Watch now includes all of Western North Carolina and northeast Georgia, according to the latest forecast issued by the National Weather Service. Precipitation will begin as snow in most locations Friday morning into early Friday afternoon, before transitioning to a wintry mix across much of the Piedmont region Friday evening into early Saturday morning.
"We're very confident that a winter storm is on the way—there's no question about that," said Clay Chaney of the National Weather Service, Greenville-Spartanburg office. "One thing to note is that our soil and roadway temperatures are much colder than usual. Typically, we'd need a few hours of snow or sleet for accumulation to start. But this time around, it's already cold enough for snow to accumulate quickly, especially on grassy and elevated surfaces—and eventually on roadways. That means roads could get slick pretty fast."
Chaney emphasized the importance of preparation, especially since this is the first significant winter storm in several years for western North Carolina. "Road conditions could get slick pretty fast," he said. "We want to make sure everyone is prepared."
- Timing:
- Snow begins in the mountains Friday morning, Jan. 10, around 9 a.m., intensifying through the evening.
- Snow tapers off by 6–7 a.m. Saturday, with lingering snow showers possible near the NC-Tennessee border into Saturday afternoon.
- Snow begins in the mountains Friday morning, Jan. 10, around 9 a.m., intensifying through the evening.
- Snowfall Totals:
- Southwest Mountains: 6–8 inches, with isolated higher elevations possibly seeing more.
- French Broad Valley (Asheville area): 2–3 inches.
- Mountains along the Tennessee border: 4–6 inches.
- Other mountain areas: 3–6 inches.
- Foothills (e.g., Morganton, Marion, Lenoir): 2–4 inches, tapering to 1–2 inches farther east.
- Key Impacts:
- Roads: Hazardous driving conditions will develop quickly due to cold soil and road temperatures, especially on untreated roads.
- Black Ice: Refreezing after sunset Saturday may create lingering black ice threats through Sunday.
- Power Outages: Heavy, wet snow could weigh down tree limbs and power lines, particularly in areas with higher accumulations.
- Post-Storm Outlook:
- Some melting is expected Saturday afternoon in areas where temperatures reach the mid-40s, but mountain regions may see black ice threats persist into early next week.
For the latest updates, visit NWS Winter Storm Briefing.
01/08/25 2pm - Adding to the chill in the air, a fresh round of winter weather is set to sweep across Western North Carolina. A winter storm is expected to reach the region beginning in the early afternoon on Friday, Jan. 10, and continuing through Saturday morning.
In a weather statement issued Wednesday morning, forecasters with the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg said they expect nearly all of Western North Carolina and surrounding areas will see measurable snow starting Friday afternoon.
A Winter Storm Watch has been issued beginning Friday morning through 7 a.m. Saturday in counties where heavy snow is most likely, including Jackson, Madison, Swain, Haywood, Graham, and Macon.
- Expected Snow Totals: 3 to 6 inches of snow for the mountains of northeast Georgia and southwest North Carolina.
- Potential Impacts: Hazardous driving conditions, impassable roads, and possible power outages caused by the weight of heavy snow on tree limbs and power lines.
Forecasters say a Winter Weather Advisory may be needed for other areas as forecasts develop. Most areas will see snow, with a wintry mix possible farther south.
