– 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…