Bitterly cold wind chill — as low as minus 10 — to impact NC mountains this weekend

The possibility of 8 inches of snow in North Carolina’s mountains is dominating forecasts, but it’s the dangerously cold temperatures that should raise concerns, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures in the teens are forecast across the state this weekend, including the coast.

This includes 19 degrees Saturday, Jan. 29, in the Charlotte region, 17 degrees in coastal Morehead City, and 13 degrees in mountain cities like Asheville and Brevard, forecasters say.

Wind gusts as high as 40 mph in the mountains will amplify the cold in high elevations, experts say.

“The cold wind chills as low as 10 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken,” NWS officials said.

“Highs will be remarkably cold for a mostly sunny day (Jan. 29). ... Lows Saturday night for many sites will make it the coldest night of the season so far, by a degree or two.”

Mountain elevations above 5,000 feet may see as much as 8 inches of snow, according to North Carolina Emergency Management. Up to 4 inches may fall on lower mountain ridge tops, and 2 inches of snow is expected in the valleys, NWS officials said.

“Most areas will see gusts of 20-35 mph, with stronger gusts of 35-45 mph possible across the higher elevations western NC and along northern portions of the coast,” N.C. Emergency Management reported.

“These wind gusts could lead to isolated power outages, reduced visibility due to blowing snow, very cold wind chill values and minor coastal flooding/ocean overwash.”

In the Charlotte region, “the probability of snow accumulations exceeding one inch remains pretty good” overnight, NWS officials say. Some areas around the city could see 3 inches and gusts of 25 mph, forecasters say.

A winter weather advisory remains in effect for the Charlotte region from 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, through 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29. Temperatures will rise to 35 degrees on Saturday, Jan. 29, and 45 on Sunday, Jan. 30.