ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Snow started falling across Western North Carolina on Friday evening, first coating higher elevations before spreading into lower elevations by early Saturday as a significant winter storm continued to impact the region.
By 4 a.m. Saturday, at least an inch of snow had accumulated in parts of the Enka and Candler areas, with heavier totals reported in the mountains. Forecasters warned that snowfall amounts would vary widely because of narrow bands of heavier snow developing within the storm.
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg said a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through 7 a.m. Sunday for the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia. In addition, an Extreme Cold Warning is in effect through Sunday, with dangerously low wind chills expected.
Wind chills could range from minus 15 to minus 30 degrees in the mountains and as low as minus 5 degrees in lower elevations, according to the weather service. Officials warned that prolonged exposure could lead to hypothermia or frostbite.
Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, dress in layers including hats and gloves, and check on elderly neighbors and family members. The weather service also advised allowing water pipes to drip to prevent freezing and cautioned against using generators or grills indoors.
Meteorologists said snowfall totals could exceed earlier forecasts in some areas. Local meteorologist Hunter Ward said short-range models suggest the potential for widespread accumulations of 8 inches or more across parts of Western North Carolina, with locally higher totals possible, including in the Asheville area.
Forecasters said travel conditions are expected to remain hazardous through the weekend due to snow-covered roads, gusty winds and extreme cold. Temperatures are expected to gradually warm early next week, with dry conditions returning before another chance of precipitation midweek.