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…