Winter Storm to Impact the Southern Appalachians

Winter Storm Warnings are in effect across portions of east-central Mississippi and central Alabama this morning, where snow is falling in association with a closed-low currently over the Southeast. This snow will taper off by mid-afternoon, but not before 1-3 inches of snowfall. More significant accumulations are expected later today from along the eastern borders of Kentucky and Tennessee, to points eastward, clipping the southern end of West Virginia, and covering much of the states of Virginia and North Carolina. Currently, rain is falling as temperatures are well above freezing, but a changeover from rain to snow is anticipated as surface temperatures slowly drop to near or below freezing by tonight. This drop in temperature will occur more quickly across the higher elevations along the Southern Appalachians where the best chance for heavy snow will exist. Across the high terrain, 6-8 inches of snow is likely with isolated accumulations in excess of 10 inches possible. Lower elevations across central portions of North Carolina and Virginia will see a chance for 2-5 inches of snow, with totals tapering off with eastward extent.

Winter Storm Snow Accumulations through 4 AM EST (double click image for full size)