US: More snowfall expected as winter storm moves across South Dec. 8-10 /update 2

Event

The US National Weather Service (NWS) has expanded its winter storm warnings and increased predictions of snowfall for the southern Appalachian and Piedmont areas as a large storm continues to move east from Texas and Arkansas as of Saturday, December 8. Dangerous driving conditions, fallen trees and power outages, and other transportation disruptions (e.g. road closures, slippery roads, train and flight delays and cancelations) are likely across the affected areas.

Winter storm warnings are in effect for mountain regions until noon (local time) on Monday, December 10, and from 01:00 Sunday, December 9, until Monday evening for central North Carolina, including the Triad (Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point) and Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill). An estimated 7.5-30 cm (3-12 in) of snowfall is expected in northern Georgia, northern South Carolina, and areas west of the Smoky Mountains, which will also likely experience sleet and freezing rain. Asheville and areas to the east of the Blue Ridge Parkway are forecast to see snowfall of 30-50 cm (12-20 in), while southwestern Virginia is forecast to receive 25-45 cm (10-18 in) of snow. Snowfall of 7.5-15 cm (3-6 in) is forecast for central North Carolina beginning Saturday night before transitioning to freezing rain on Sunday afternoon.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, maintain flexible travel itineraries, avoid unnecessary driving, and anticipate flight delays and cancelations, dangerous driving conditions, and power outages.