Snow Continues in Mountains; Chilly and Windy in Upstate

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the TN border counties, Macon and Northern Jackson counties until 6 AM Tuesday.  Snowfall accumulations will produce hazardous travel conditions through Tuesday morning because of snow covered, slick roadways.  Final accumulations could range from 3-6 inches in the favored locations; i.e., higher elevations and west-facing slopes.  A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for southern Jackson, Transylvania and Buncombe counties until 6 AM Tuesday for lesser amounts but still a potential impact for drivers. 

The Upstate will see only a slight chance of a stray rain or snow shower through midnight with mostly cloudy conditions on average through the night.  The best chance of any snowflakes will be in the northern part of the Upstate…no accumulation there.  Strong winds through the early evening will mean dangerous windchills, though - 40s will feel like 20s before the winds die down after midnight.

As upper level energy passes across the region tomorrow morning we’ll find improving sky conditions with scattered cloud cover by the mid afternoon almost everywhere.  The winds will subside as well as high pressure builds into the area.  Look for very cold temperatures on snow covered locations - mainly 30s for highs.  Upstate residents will see a good deal of sun for the balance of Tuesday along with cool highs - mainly near 50.  Any thawing on Western North Carolina roads will refreeze Tuesday night, so even though the snow will have ended, slippery roads will still be possible.

For your Live VIPIR Forecast click here.

Nationally, the cold front moving across the Midwest into the East Coast has caused havoc with air delays.

The first snow storm of the season in Illinois has forced the cancellation of more than 50 flights at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and caused delays of up to 90 minutes for others.

In the mountains of Colorado, blowing snow and ice have closed parts of eastbound Interstate 70. And at least five people were injured in separate accidents on icy roads in the eastern part of the state.

More than 200 stranded travelers have made it to a shelter that the American Red Cross opened in Silverthorne, west of Denver.