Tens of millions of people in the Southeast will experience cold temperatures later this week. November 21, 2024.
As residents in western North Carolina continue to deal with the aftermath of Helen, hard-hit areas are expected to see more snow later this week.
Helen caused historic devastation in the Tar Heel State in late September with deadly flooding and landslides that claimed at least 103 lives as of Thursday.
In the coming days, some survivors in western North Carolina will have to avoid potentially dangerous conditions as they continue their recovery efforts.
The National Weather Service said 1 to 4 inches of snow is expected in Ashe and Watauga counties by Saturday morning. However, the snowfall forecast is even higher in higher elevation areas, with up to 12 and even 24 inches of snow expected.
Snow is in the forecast for western North Carolina, with orange lines marking Helen’s footprints.
(FOX Weather)
Additionally, survivors of Helen in western North Carolina will also have to endure strong winds. Wind gusts are expected to reach 30 to 40 mph in Asheville, while other areas could see gusts of 50 mph or more.
Gusty winds are expected Friday afternoon.
(FOX Weather)
These conditions can cause tree branches to break and fall on homes and power lines, causing power outages.
In response to this forecast, the NWS has issued a winter weather advisory for towns in Ashe and Watauga counties starting Thursday at 1:00 p.m. ET. This advisory lasts until 7 a.m. Saturday.
Areas under winter weather warnings are shaded in blue.
(FOX Weather)
All this snow and cold can make roads slippery.
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Temperatures are expected to warm through the weekend and continue to be sunny for the start of Thanksgiving week.
Weather forecast for Asheville, North Carolina.
(FOX Weather)
