The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Western North Carolina, warning that a potentially high impact winter storm could affect the region from Saturday morning through Monday afternoon, bringing snow, sleet and freezing rain.
Forecasters say total snow and sleet accumulations of 1 to 6 inches are possible, along with ice accumulations between 0.4 and 1 inch. Significant ice buildup on power lines and tree limbs could lead to widespread and long-lasting power outages, while roads may become treacherous or impassable. The highest snow totals are expected north of Interstate 40, with the greatest ice threat in the southern mountains.
Local meteorologists with News 13 (WLOS) report that multiple weather models show a high-impact storm is increasingly likely, though exact snowfall and ice totals remain uncertain and may shift as the storm develops.
UNC Asheville officials said the university is closely monitoring the forecast. In a Bulldog Alert sent Wednesday afternoon, the university said it is too early to determine the extent of any impacts to campus operations, including precipitation type and accumulation. The university remains open at this time and no closures have been announced.
“The University will continue to actively monitor the situation and assess potential impacts on University operations,” the alert said. Updates will be communicated through Bulldog Alert, with the next alert scheduled for Thursday by 5 p.m.
Students are encouraged to prepare now and monitor conditions closely. Officials recommend:
- Signing up for and checking Bulldog Alert regularly for official updates on class schedules, campus operations and safety guidance.
- Preparing an emergency kit with nonperishable food, water, medications, flashlights, phone chargers or power banks and warm clothing.
- Avoiding unnecessary travel once wintry precipitation begins.
- Use caution on sidewalks and stairways, as ice can make walking hazardous.
- Keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed during power outages and using flashlights instead of candles.
Students living in residence halls who have concerns or need assistance should contact Housing and Residence Life at [email protected]. For immediate safety concerns on campus, students should contact University Public Safety.
The National Weather Service urges residents to delay travel if possible and to prepare for potential power outages that could last several days in some areas. Officials also warn that cold temperatures are expected to linger after the storm, which could keep roads icy into early next week.
Students can find additional preparedness information from the National Weather Service, ReadyNC, Buncombe County Emergency Preparedness, the City of Asheville Emergency Preparedness and local forecast services such as RaysWeather and News 13 Weather.
