ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Western North Carolina and much of the surrounding region from late Friday afternoon through Saturday night, warning of significant snowfall, dangerous cold and hazardous travel conditions.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service office in Greenville-Spartanburg said snow is expected to be the primary precipitation type, with cold temperatures before the storm likely to worsen travel impacts.
Current forecasts call for 2 to 4 inches of snow across much of the western half of the region and 4 to 7 inches across the eastern half and along much of the North Carolina-Tennessee border. Meteorologists noted snowfall projections have decreased slightly but could still reach warning-level criteria in many areas.
A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect through 10 a.m. for Mitchell, Yancey and Avery counties as well-below-normal temperatures persist. Forecasters also warned that dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills are expected Saturday night through Monday morning, posing potential threats to people, pets and property without proper precautions.
The cold air mass is expected to gradually moderate early next week, with drier conditions returning to the region.
Statewide, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for 98 of North Carolina’s 100 counties, with Cherokee and Clay counties excluded, according to North Carolina’s Weather Authority.
Local emergency officials are urging residents to prepare in advance. The Fairview Fire Department in Buncombe County encouraged households to stock essential supplies, charge phones and flashlights, and plan for the possibility of several days without power.
Fire officials also stressed generator safety, advising residents to operate generators at least 20 feet from homes and never in garages or enclosed spaces due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. They also urged residents to use only indoor-safe heating and cooking equipment and to check on elderly neighbors ahead of the storm.
Officials said preparedness is key because businesses often close during severe weather and power outages can limit access to groceries and fuel.
Travelers are advised to monitor forecasts and road conditions and to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.