ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Bundling up may not be enough. With dangerously cold wind chills in the forecast, staying inside may be your best bet.

Not only will an Arctic airmass move into the area Sunday night, but the chance for heavy snow will be in store for the North Carolina mountains, mainly near and along the Tennessee border, the National Weather Service said.

An Arctic airmass will build over the region Sunday night, sending temperatures into the teens across the foothills and Piedmont and single digits in most of the mountains. Highs in many areas will not rise above freezing Monday.

Similar temperature trends will recur Tuesday and Wednesday. According to the NWS, this prolonged cold period meets the definition of a “cold wave.” Its duration sets it apart from the usual cold snaps, and the associated impacts are expected to be more significant.

The NWS warned the cold weather will likely result in high demand for electricity across the region, and power outages are possible. Those who require electricity for heating or medical equipment should consider backup heat or electrical sources.

Take steps now to protect yourself and your property from the extreme cold.

  • If you go outside, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf.
  • If driving, keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Check your antifreeze and windshield washer fluid levels.
  • Be sure to carry a fully charged cell phone.
  • Be careful with space heaters.
  • Only use emergency generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Check on family, friends and elderly neighbors who might be susceptible to the cold.
  • Do not forget about your pets and livestock. Make sure they have a source of water that will not freeze and a warm place to take shelter from the wind and cold.
  • Do not attempt to walk on frozen ponds, lakes or streams, as the ice will not be thick enough to support the weight, even of a child.
  • To prevent water pipes from freezing, wrap or drain or allow them to drip slowly.

A cold wave is defined as average daily temperatures 12 degrees or more below normal mid-January average daily temperatures for 48 hours or longer, the NWS said. Normal mid-January average daily temperatures are, for Asheville 37, Charlotte 41, and GSP 42. By definition, it follows that a cold wave is when the average daily temperature for Asheville is 25, Charlotte is 29, and GSP is 30.

An Extreme Cold Watch is in effect until Monday, Jan. 20, for Cherokee and Clay counties, where wind chills as low as 10 below are possible, according to the NWS.

Those cold wind chills could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken. Dress in layers — including a hat, face mask and gloves — if you must go outside.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 7 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20, for Avery County, where up to 4 inches of snow and 45 mph wind gusts are possible.

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect until 7 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20, for Swain and Graham counties, where up to 7 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 40 mph are possible.

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Madison, Yancey, Mitchell and Haywood counties until 7 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20. Heavy snow is possible with accumulations generally of
1 to 3 inches possible, with 4 to 6 inches in higher elevations mainly above 3,500 feet. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.