GATLINBURG, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE Storm Center) — Winter weather is expected to make its return to the higher elevations of the southern Appalachian Mountains, with a Winter Weather Advisory in effect from Thursday evening through early Saturday morning.
The advisory covers elevations above 3,000 feet in the southern Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee from 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, through 7 a.m. EST Saturday, Nov. 14.
Forecasters expect 1 to 4 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible across the highest mountain peaks. Wind gusts could reach 35 mph.
The greatest impacts are expected at higher elevations, where accumulating snow could create slick and hazardous travel conditions.
Several mountain highways could be affected, including:
- Interstate 26 at Sam’s Gap.
- U.S. 441 at Newfound Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- U.S. 421 at Trade Gap.
- Tennessee Highway 165 at Beech Gap on the Cherohala Skyway.
The National Weather Service warns that hazardous conditions could affect Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.
Motorists traveling through the higher elevations should prepare for rapidly changing conditions, reduced visibility and potentially snow-covered roads.
Lower elevations are not included in this advisory, with the highest snow potential expected above 3,000 feet.
The Smokies.LIVE Storm Center will continue tracking the developing mountain snow and travel impacts across Tennessee and North Carolina.
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