It may be the first day of spring, but winter is not finished with Western North Carolina.
The National Weather Service issued a statement at 4:48 a.m. Thursday, March 20, warning of snow moving into the area later in the day, which also is the 2025 spring equinox.
Here’s what to know about the weather statement and what areas will be affected.
When will the snow start?
According to the weather service statement, “northwest flow moisture will develop behind a departing cold front” March 20 afternoon and into the night across the WNC mountains. Temperatures will gradually fall near or below freezing March 20 afternoon into the evening. Afternoon rain showers will gradually transition to snow showers.
Where is snow expected in Western NC?
The following counties are included in the Special Weather Statement:
- Avery
- Buncombe
- Graham
- Haywood
- Northern Jackson
- Macon
- Madison
- Mitchell
- Swain
- Yancey
How much snow will Western NC get?
The NWS is calling for snowfall totals from 1-3 inches mainly in elevations above 3,500 feet, “although half an inch to an inch of snow should fall in the valleys” along and near the North Carolina-Tennessee border. The highest snowfall amounts, 4-6 inches, are expected in the Smokies. Some higher amounts will be possible, especially above 4,000 feet…