Up to 8 inches of snow to hit NC mountains overnight Tuesday; Winter Weather Advisory issued
BEECH MOUNTAIN, N.C. (WNCN) — After a bit of snow hit Monday in western North Carolina, the mountains in our state are forecast to get some real snow by mid-day Wednesday.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect through Wednesday for North Carolina areas above 3,500 feet — and for all of Avery County, the National Weather Service said. By late Tuesday night, parts of key roads in the mountains were closed, including sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
“The highest peaks in the Smokies may receive 6+ inches” of snow, forecasters said, adding that there could be wind gusts up to 45 mph.
All but 2 of NC’s mountains open for the ski season
Up to 8 inches of snow is forecast in the Mount Guyot area on the North Carolina border. Roan Mountain is forecast to get up to 6 inches of snow.
By Tuesday night, gates in some sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway were closed and officials warned more could close by Wednesday morning.
Blue Ridge Parkway shut down after first snowfall in NC mountains
By 7 p.m. Tuesday, U.S. 441/Newfound Gap Road from Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina was closed due to snow/ice, the National Park Service reported.
As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, multiple section of the North Carolina Parkway are closed due to snow and ice covering the roads. Some of the areas include NC Highway 128 to South of Craggy Gardens Tunnel, NC Route 191, Pisgah Store to US Route 276, and almost 20 miles of Beech Gap (NC Route 215) to Balsam Gap (US Route 23/74).
Areas with elevations around 3,500 feet are forecast to get between 3 and 4 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service. Snow fell in some areas, including Beech Mountain on Monday.
“Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute,” forecasters warned.
Snow will begin in the northern part of the North Carolina mountains by 8 p.m. with snow spreading south.
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“The heaviest snowfall is expected between midnight tonight and dawn Wednesday morning. Lighter snow showers may linger into late morning or early afternoon Wednesday,” weather service officials said late Tuesday afternoon.
The Winter Weather Advisory includes Ashe County, Watauga County, Madison County, Yancey County, Mitchell County, Swain County, Haywood County, Graham County and Watauga County.
“A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means that periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow-covered roads and limited visibilities,” the weather service said.
For a full list of Blue Ridge Parkway closures, click here.
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