Accumulating Snowfall Likely For WNC Friday & Into Saturday
How Much Will It Snow At Your Location?
Above you can see my projected snowfall map for Friday & into Saturday around WNC. Locations above 4500’ on the NC/TN border could really cash in on this flow as we progress through the evening on Friday. I am also watching for streamers to break containment along the NC/TN border and bring accumulation even to the Asheville area. We could even experience some higher end totals where the banding sets up in valley locations, but where exactly that occurs is difficult to nail down. Check out the in-depth model discussion below.
Saturated Mid Level Atmosphere To Enhance Northwest Flow
A very robust Upper Level Low will allow for a saturated 700mb level to move through WNC during the peak of the Northwest flow event late Friday. Winds will gust over 35mph out of the NW and heavy snow will inundate the NC/TN border. Check out the sounding below, I have circled several key details.
These key features lead me to believe that the flow will be persistent even in lower elevations because of how robust the moisture content of the column is, and how strong the winds are from the surface through 700mb. With upslope flow enhancing this fetch of moisture, we could see heavy snow showers late Friday and into Saturday even South of Asheville.
As Friday progresses, look for winds to really pick up. I have added below the most recent NAM 3km Wind gust chart for 6pm on Friday and you can see how the winds will be ripping, especially above 3500’.
NAM 3km Wind Gusts Courtesy of Pivotalweather.com
Will This Snow Affect Roadways Around WNC
In short the answer is yes it will. Depending on how far South you live from the Asheville area though the threat will really diminish. Locations like Hendersonville will have less effects on roadways compared to the Downtown Asheville area. But if you live in Madison or Yancey County you could experience a lot more snow compared to Asheville. If you live above 3500’ be prepared to stay in most of the weekend! Road crews will be out with Salt, but pretreatment will likely be washed off unless its applied late on Thursday evening. Ill have more information and thoughts coming soon so make sure and check back soon! Check the WNC Webcams below to watch the storm arrive!
