ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Forecasters say the potential for a significant snowfall is increasing across Western North Carolina this weekend as a powerful winter system moves into the region, bringing bitter cold, strong winds and the likelihood of hazardous travel.
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg said confidence is growing that wintry precipitation will begin late Friday night and continue through Saturday, with snow expected to be the primary type. While it remains too early to pin down exact snowfall totals, forecasters say measurable snow is now likely across most of the area, with the possibility of significant accumulations in some locations.
A strong arctic front is expected to usher in the coldest temperatures of the season. Temperatures could remain below freezing from Friday evening through at least Monday afternoon, increasing the risk of icy roads, burst water pipes and other infrastructure impacts. Wind chills in the mountains could drop to between 10 below zero and 10 above zero, depending on elevation.
The Weather Service has already issued a Cold Weather Advisory for Avery County and elevations above 3,500 feet in Mitchell and Yancey counties because of dangerously low wind chills overnight into Thursday morning. Patchy black ice was also reported early Wednesday, creating slick spots on area roads.
Meteorologists say the prolonged cold leading into the weekend could worsen travel impacts once snow begins falling. “Due to cold temperatures leading up to the event, impacts to travel could be significant,” the Weather Service said.
Independent Asheville-based meteorologist Hunter Ward said forecast models continue to show a strong upper-level low moving through Western North Carolina, supporting accumulating snowfall. Most models suggest a widespread 3 to 6 inches of snow, with the potential for higher totals given the very cold air in place.
Snow is expected to move into the region late Friday night and could continue through Saturday and possibly into Sunday. Strong winds may also accompany the system as low pressure intensifies, raising concerns about power outages.
The storm is part of a larger East Coast system that The Weather Channel says could strengthen into a nor’easter, bringing snow and strong winds from the Carolinas to New England. The Weather Channel has named the system Winter Storm Gianna.
In Asheville, the forecast calls for mostly cloudy conditions Friday, with snow chances increasing overnight. Saturday is expected to remain cold and mostly cloudy, with continued chances of snow and highs only in the lower 20s. Overnight lows this weekend could dip into the single digits.
Forecasters urge residents to closely monitor updates as the weekend approaches and prepare for potentially dangerous winter conditions, especially if travel plans can be postponed.