Season’s ‘first real bout’ of wintry weather possible in NC mountains. What to know
Freezing rain, light snow and frigid temperatures could blast the North Carolina mountains this week, bringing the potential for slick roads and some accumulating ice.
Winter weather advisories were issued for several areas as near-freezing temperatures are expected overnight Monday, Nov. 14.
“A fast moving weather system combines with the cold air to bring the first real bout of winter precipitation to the area Tuesday morning,” the National Weather Service wrote on Twitter.
Near the popular mountain destination of Asheville, the advisory is in effect from 11 p.m. Monday to 11 a.m. Tuesday.
The region saw temperatures in the mid-40s on Monday before it could see a low of 30 degrees. Less than one-tenth of an inch of precipitation is expected overnight, with chances continuing early Tuesday.
“Temperatures are expected to be cold enough across the mountains for some of the precipitation to begin as freezing rain,” forecasters wrote. “Steady warming from the southwest will result in a transition to rain Tuesday morning. By Tuesday afternoon, any remaining freezing rain is expected to be confined to the high elevations of the northern North Carolina mountains.”
Up to two-tenths of an inch of ice could accumulate, “mainly over the Balsams and near the Blue Ridge Escarpment,” creating the potential for slick spots on bridges and overpasses during the morning commute, the weather service wrote.
To the north, Ashe, Alleghany and Watauga counties have advisories in effect from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Those places could see “mixed precipitation” on Tuesday morning before conditions start transitioning to rain. A half-inch of snow and sleet could fall in the mountain town of Boone.
This story was originally published November 14, 2022 at 1:52 PM.
