Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina Face Overnight Snow in Higher Elevations as Valley Areas See Cold Drizzle
EAST TENNESSEE — A quick-moving overnight weather system is expected to bring light snow to higher elevations across parts of Tennessee, southwest Virginia, eastern Kentucky, and western North Carolina, while most valley locations see little to no accumulation, according to updated National Weather Service guidance issued Friday.
Forecasters say snow will begin around midnight EST and move out of the region by around 9 a.m. Saturday, limiting the overall impact for most communities. However, mountain areas above roughly 2,000 feet could still see measurable snowfall, creating slick travel conditions late tonight into early Saturday, especially on elevated and winding roads.
What the Forecast Shows Overnight
Weather data from the National Weather Service office in Morristown indicates the system will be fast-moving, preventing widespread accumulation in lower elevations but still allowing snow to develop in colder, higher terrain.
Key forecast points include:
- Snow onset: Around midnight EST
- Snow ending: By 9 a.m. Saturday
- Valley locations: Mostly cold drizzle or flurries, little to no accumulation
- Higher elevations (2,000–4,000 feet): 1 to 2 inches of snow
- Highest mountain peaks: Up to 3 inches possible
Areas most likely to see accumulating snow include the East Tennessee mountains, parts of southwest Virginia, far eastern Kentucky, and western North Carolina’s higher terrain.
Travel Impacts Focused on Higher Elevations
While this is not expected to be a high-impact winter storm, even light snow can create problems in mountain areas.
Forecasters warn that slower travel is likely across higher elevations, especially late tonight and early Saturday morning. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded mountain roads may become slick despite minimal accumulation elsewhere.
Even small amounts of snow could cause:
- Reduced traction on mountain highways
- Localized slick spots overnight
- Short-term visibility reductions during snow bursts
Drivers traveling through mountain passes or higher terrain are urged to use caution and allow extra travel time.
Why Valleys Will See Little Snow
Temperatures in valley locations are expected to hover near or just above freezing for much of the event. This will keep most precipitation as cold drizzle or brief flurries, limiting snow accumulation.
Meteorologists note that elevation-driven temperature differences are the key factor, with colder air trapped in higher terrain allowing snow to develop more efficiently.
Cold Pattern Continues After the Snow
This overnight system is part of a broader cold pattern affecting much of the eastern United States. Even after precipitation ends, cold temperatures will remain in place, increasing the risk of refreezing in spots where moisture lingers.
Residents are encouraged to take precautions, including protecting people, pets, pipes, and plants as colder air continues to settle in across the region.
What to Watch Going Into Saturday
While widespread impacts are not expected, conditions could still change slightly depending on temperature trends overnight. Travelers heading into mountain regions early Saturday should stay alert for updated road conditions.
This event serves as a reminder that even quick, light snow events can cause localized issues, especially in higher elevations during cold weather patterns.
Stay weather-aware and drive cautiously overnight and early Saturday, particularly in mountain areas.
For continued weather updates, regional impact breakdowns, and local forecasts, visit WaldronNews.com and stay prepared as winter conditions continue across the region.