Asheville, Buncombe under Winter Storm Warning; could impact Monday morning commutes
The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning and a Winter Weather Advisory early Feb. 11 for Asheville, Buncombe County and nearby Madison, Swain, Graham, Jackson, Macon and Transylvania counties.
The Winter Weather Advisory, which means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain could cause travel issues, was issued for elevations less than 3,500 feet. The Winter Storm Warning, which means that significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice will make travel "very hazardous or impossible," was issued for elevations above 3,500 feet.
The advisory and warning begin at 7 p.m. on Feb. 11 and last until midnight on Feb. 12.
"The impact from slushy or icy roads could even worsen Sunday (Feb. 12) night when we get that colder air in," National Weather Service Meteorologist Jake Wimberley said. "Roads that are wet may freeze over in some spots, so travel issues may impact the Monday (Feb. 13) morning commute."
The advisory and warning issued by the National Weather Service said that those that do have to travel should do so with caution. If above 3,500 feet, the warning said, people should only travel in cases of emergency and should keep a flashlight, food and water in their vehicle.
Previous Reporting:Chance for snow in Buncombe County, Asheville this weekend
Areas below 3,500 feet may see less than an inch to four inches of snow, Wimberley said, but higher elevations may get as much as 10 inches.
On Feb. 11, rain will move in from the south as temperatures fall overnight, leading to some sleet and potential snow, he said. The next day, there may be periods of mostly snow and sleet.
"Generally, for the lower elevations, it's really going to be dependent on the surface temperatures," Wimberley said. "They are probably going to remain above freezing, so that makes accumulating snow less likely."
Winds with speeds up to 25 miles per hour below 3,500 feet and up to 45 miles per hour above 3,500 feet could cause some small, isolated power outages, but probably will not cause any major power outages, he said.
Related:Duke Energy to review rolling blackouts after thousands lost power amid bitter cold
Christmas Weekend:Temperatures drop to 8-year low over Christmas weekend
In a Feb. 10 news release, the City of Asheville said it has taken steps to prepare for the winter weather with "teams, shifts and equipment on standby to hit the streets in case of snow or other potential weather-related impacts." Asheville sits at an elevation of about 2,200 feet.
The winter weather is coming from a low-pressure system currently in the Gulf of Mexico that is going to shift to the northeast, and go across Georgia and the Carolinas, he said.
Each winter, Wimberly said that the region receives several of these advisories and warnings.
The National Weather Service forecast for Asheville over the next few days is:
Feb. 11, night: Rain after 7 p.m. with patchy fog after 2 a.m. Temperatures will reach lows of around 34. Wind gusts could reach as high as 18 mph.
Feb. 12, day: Rain with patchy fog before 2 p.m. Temperatures will reach highs of near 40. Wind gusts could reach as high as 20 mph.
Feb. 12, night: Rain is likely, mixing with snow after 9 p.m. before gradually ending. Temperatures will reach lows of around 27. Wind gusts could reach as high as 23 mph. Little or no snow accumulation is expected.
Christian Smith is the general assignment reporter for the Asheville Citizen-Times. Questions or comments? Contact him at RCSmith@gannett.com or 828-274-2222.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville, Buncombe could see snow, sleet or freezing rain
