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Winter Weather Advisory for North Carolina Mountains

A beautiful winter scene in the North Carolina mountains with snowfall.

News Summary

A winter weather advisory is in effect for the mountainous regions of North Carolina as a cold front brings snow and cold temperatures. Residents in areas above 3,500 feet can expect 2-4 inches of snow, while lower elevations may see up to an inch. Strong winds could complicate travel, prompting officials to advise caution. The advisory extends to counties including Ashe, Watauga, Avery, Madison, and Yancey, emphasizing the need to stay informed this winter season.

Winter Weather Advisory Issued in the Beautiful Mountains of North Carolina

It’s that time of year again, folks! As winter settles in, the chilly vibes have hit Charlotte, North Carolina, with a brrrr-inducing cold front sweeping through the area on Friday. Residents of the Charlotte region are bracing for some real winter fun—complete with mountain snow, zippy flashes of lightning, and even some fascinating graupel—which are those soft, snow-like pellets that can fall during a snow shower.

The good news? This icicle-carrying cold front is expected to exit the scene by Saturday’s sunrise, making way for a gorgeous day ahead. So, if you’ve got plans this weekend, don’t put them on ice just yet!

What to Expect on Saturday

Saturday will kick off with temperatures ice-cube chilly, hovering right around freezing. Don’t let that get you down, though! Come afternoon, we’ll see highs scaling the comfortable ladder to the upper 40s. And guess what? Little to no precipitation is in the forecast, with dry conditions ready to take center stage under a blanket of glorious sunshine.

However, don’t be too quick to shove your snow gear to the back of the closet. The crisp winds are expected to usher in mountain snow that should start winding down between mid-morning and afternoon. A Winter Weather Advisory is currently in effect until 1 p.m. Saturday, specifically for Ashe, Watauga, and Avery counties. Mountain lovers, please take note!

Counting the Snowflakes

For those living in higher elevations, prepare your snow shovels! Forecasts are predicting 2-4 inches of snow for areas above 3,500 feet, while folks down in the lower elevations could see up to an inch. Remember, safer paths are always better than slippery ones, so tread carefully if you’re out and about!

Moreover, the National Weather Service has updated their Winter Weather Advisory, now stretching to include Madison, Yancey, Mitchell, Swain, and Haywood counties until 1 p.m. on Saturday. The word on the street is that there may be light snow showers along with possible accumulations of up to two additional inches above that 3,500-foot mark, so keep those boots ready!

Winds and Caution

What’s more, winds gusting up to 45 mph are on the horizon for certain mountain locations. All of this means travel could get tricky. If you’re hitting the roads, slow down and consider taking extra caution to avoid any potential winter weather-related fender benders.

Colder Days Ahead

As we look forward to Sunday, the temperature will drop further, starting in the mid-20s and not making it past the low 40s. Get ready for a below-normal chill that will stick around through Christmas Eve. It’s going to feel like winter, no doubt about it!

But don’t worry too much—normal temperatures will make a comeback just in time for Christmas Day, with expected highs settling in the mid-50s. You might want to keep an umbrella nearby since there’s a slight chance of a few showers on Christmas, but overall, it seems like the coverage will be low.

Looking Forward

As we get closer to the end of the week, it looks like better chances for those showers might re-enter the forecast. In the meantime, if you live in areas above 3,500 feet, just know that slick roads are very likely—so a bit of extra caution can go a long way.

Lastly, don’t forget to keep your digital devices handy! Downloading a reliable weather app can help you stay informed of real-time weather alerts and forecasts. Stay warm and enjoy the stunning winter wonderland that North Carolina has to offer!