BLOWING ROCK, N.C. â On Thursday, Nov. 21 and Friday, Nov. 22, the North Carolina mountains need to be Weather Aware as the first chance for widespread winter weather moves in. Here is what you need to know.
When
On Wednesday, the mountains will have highs in the upper 50s to low 60s with scattered rain, but once a cold front passes, residents should expect some big changes.
The winds will increase, temperatures will drop and a light snow will develop Thursday morning and is forecast to continue on and off through Friday night. Check out these changes every four hours from Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon:
- Wednesday, Nov. 20; 6 p.m.: Feels like 37 degrees with gusts to 30-35 mph
- Wednesday, Nov. 20; 10 p.m.: Feels like 22 degrees with gusts 40-45 mph
- Thursday, Nov. 21; 2 a.m.: Feels like 20 degrees with gusts 30-35 mph
- Thursday, Nov. 21; 6 a.m.: Feels like 12 degrees with wind gusts 20-25 mph (snow)
- Thursday, Nov. 21; 10 a.m.: Feels like 15 degrees with wind gusts 45-50 mph (snow)
- Thursday, Nov. 21; 2 p.m.: Feels like 17 degrees with gusts 35-40 mph (snow)
This snow will continue consistently on the mountain tops through Friday night with some breaks for elevations between 3,000 and 4,000 feet.
Accumulation
Here is a preliminary look at how much snow the mountains could see through Saturday morning.
Impacts
The snow intensity will overall be light, but over time, it will add up. Make sure to prepare ahead of time with winter gear and devices charged in case of power outages.
- So expect the roads to become slippery and conditions will deteriorate through the afternoon and Thursday evening
- Winds will be high at times creating blowing snow and lower visibilities
- Wind chills will be in the teens Thursday and Friday morning so plan to dress for full blown winter