Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina Brace for Rain-to-Snow Changeover Late Wednesday With Slick Roads Into Thursday Morning
TENNESSEE – A late-week weather shift is expected across East Tennessee, southwest Virginia, and nearby higher terrain of western North Carolina, where rain is forecast to change to snow late Wednesday and Wednesday night, bringing the potential for slick road conditions into Thursday morning.
Forecast messaging indicates the most meaningful accumulation will be elevation-driven, meaning mountain communities and higher ridgelines have the best chance to pick up measurable snow while many lower elevations see lighter amounts.
What’s changing late Wednesday
A transition from rain to snow is expected late Wednesday into Wednesday night as colder air moves in. That timing matters because road temperatures can cool quickly after sunset, allowing snow to begin sticking—especially on elevated surfaces and less-traveled roads.
Where snow totals are most likely to add up
Based on the forecast briefing shown in the graphics:
- Higher elevations of southwest Virginia: 1 to 3 inches of snow is expected.
- East Tennessee Mountains: 1 to 4 inches is described as common across the higher terrain.
Lower elevations across much of the broader region appear more likely to see lighter accumulations, with the guidance suggesting many places outside the mountains may struggle to get more than a coating.
What about towns and lower elevations in East Tennessee
The outlook suggests lighter totals (generally under 1 inch) are possible across many northern counties of East Tennessee, with the best chance for that light accumulation showing up on grass, cars, and elevated surfaces rather than everywhere on main roads.
Even small accumulations can still cause problems if the snow falls during the colder overnight window and traffic is light enough that roads don’t get treated or “warmed” by vehicles.
Slick conditions are the main concern
The most consistent impact highlighted is travel-related:
- Light snow accumulations could lead to slick roads late Wednesday into Thursday morning
- Bridges, overpasses, and higher-elevation routes are most likely to turn slippery first
- The risk extends into Thursday morning commutes, when a thin layer of snow or refreezing moisture can create unexpected slick spots
This is the type of setup where impacts may be spotty—some roads are just wet, while a nearby ridge route is snow-covered and slippery.
How to plan ahead for late Wednesday and Thursday morning
If you live or travel through higher terrain in Tennessee, Virginia, or North Carolina, a few practical steps can help:
- Consider finishing longer drives before late Wednesday night
- Slow down on mountain roads and avoid hard braking on shaded curves
- Expect the slickest conditions on bridges, ramps, and untreated secondary roads
- Leave extra time early Thursday, even if snow totals look “small” on paper
Bottom line
A rain-to-snow changeover late Wednesday is expected to bring accumulating snow in the higher elevations of southwest Virginia and the East Tennessee Mountains, with slick travel possible late Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Even outside the mountains, light accumulations under an inch could still cause isolated slick spots—especially on elevated surfaces.
If you’re in the mountains or commute through higher terrain, this is a good window to stay weather-aware and plan for a slower Thursday morning start.
What are conditions like where you are—rain now, or already seeing flakes in the higher elevations? Share what you’re seeing and keep following the Waldron website for more local weather updates.