First snow of season possible in NC mountains this week

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Light snow is possible for the North Carolina mountains Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning. While accumulation isn’t expected to be significant, this would be the first snow of the season in the higher elevations.

A cold front pushed through North Carolina Monday, ushering in cooler weather, but a secondary front in the Ohio Valley is the front that could bring a taste of wintry weather to the higher elevations.

Ahead of this second cold front, a push of moisture will move into North Carolina. This moisture, paired with the front, will create a cold rain for most of the mountains, however from Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning, communities from 3,000-5,000 feet will have the best chance for a mix of rain and snow.

In terms of how much snow could fall, it depends on elevation. Communities above 5,000 feet could have up to two inches of accumulation, while below 3,500 feet are more likely to have up to a half-inch of snow, with some sleet mixed in.

This area has not had significant rainfall outside the devastating flooding due to Hurricane Helene . This shouldn’t cause any flooding issues, but roads and trails will be slick as temperatures are also expected to drop into the 20s and 30s Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

Outside of the mountains, only a few showers are expected as the second front moves through, but chilly air is expected! Frost is possible for some communities in central N.C. Thursday and Friday morning.

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