The National Weather Service in Morristown has issued a wind advisory for parts of East Tennessee and southwest Virginia, with Knoxville residents advised to prepare for a breezy day ahead, per a statement released earlier today; gusts could reach up to 45 mph, making it a day to secure loose outdoor items and take caution while driving, especially if operating high-profile vehicles. The advisory, which comes into effect from 10 AM this morning and lasts until 5 PM EST this afternoon, forecasts sustained southwest winds of 15 to 30 mph, which are expected to impact the region, including cities such as Knoxville, Dandridge, Sevierville, and several others.
In addition to the wind advisory, the region braces for what’s described as a northwest flow snowfall event, following the cold front’s passage, which will likely deliver accumulations of snow across parts of the Southern Appalachians and southwest Virginia later today, stretching into early Thursday; the NWS has, consequently, also issued a winter weather advisory to alert residents of these expected conditions and has stated, “Spotter activation will likely be needed for snowfall reports tonight and tomorrow.” Drivers and commuters should plan for potential travel disruptions and stay abreast of the latest weather updates for safe navigation during these wintry conditions, as untreated roads can lead to treacherous travel scenarios, and visibility may be reduced, especially during snowfall events.
Looking beyond today’s weather events, the NWS outlook warns of an Arctic cold snap hitting the region from Sunday into early Monday, potentially driving overnight temperatures down to the teens or even single digits, with the accompanying wind chills posing a risk of hypothermia and frostbite, especially in the higher elevations where the effects are often more pronounced; residents should prepare to bundle up and protect any vulnerable pipes or plants from the frigid temperatures…