Powerful Winter Storm Intensifies Across Appalachians as Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia See Rapidly Rising Snow Totals

UNITED STATES — A strengthening winter storm is delivering heavy, persistent snowfall across parts of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, with snow totals already exceeding expectations and many more hours of accumulation still ahead, according to overnight observations and radar trends.

As of 12:20 a.m., forecasters monitoring the storm reported snowfall amounts climbing quickly across the region, with Johnson City already measuring around 4.5 inches and still increasing. Reports from across Northeast Tennessee indicate widespread totals between 4 and 6 inches, while parts of Southwest Virginia, including the Lebanon area, have already reached up to 10 inches.

Heavy Snow Bands Locking In Over the Region

Radar imagery shows intense snow banding currently favoring areas west of Interstate 81, including portions of eastern Tennessee and adjacent mountain communities. These bands have been slow-moving, allowing snow to pile up rapidly in localized corridors.

Meteorologists warn that this pattern is expected to shift overnight, as the storm’s low-pressure system begins transferring toward the East Coast. When that happens, heavier snowfall is likely to pivot east of I-81, impacting additional communities across eastern Tennessee and into western North Carolina and Virginia.

Teens Temperatures Mean Fast Accumulation

With temperatures holding in the teens, snow is sticking efficiently to roads, trees, and elevated surfaces. Forecasters say this cold setup is allowing accumulation to “excel with ease,” even during periods of lighter snowfall.

This combination of cold air, persistent moisture, and organized banding is what’s driving totals well beyond early expectations in some areas.

Another Long Stretch of Snow Still Ahead

Perhaps most concerning for residents is that this storm is far from finished.

Meteorologists estimate another 15 hours or more of steady snowfall remains possible in parts of the affected region, particularly where banding remains locked in place. Additional accumulations are likely before the storm finally begins to weaken later today.

Travel and Safety Concerns Growing

With snow continuing to fall heavily overnight, travel conditions are expected to deteriorate further, especially on untreated roads and mountain passes. Visibility may fluctuate rapidly as snow bands shift, and drifting could become an issue where winds increase.

Residents across Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and nearby Appalachian communities are urged to limit travel where possible and prepare for continued disruptions into the morning and early afternoon hours.

Stay with WaldronNews for continued storm updates, snowfall reports, and regional impact coverage as this winter storm continues to unfold.