Dangerously high wind gusts are possible tonight as a strong cold front moves through the region. A High Wind Warning remains in effect until 4 p.m. EST Wednesday for the mountains of East Tennessee, with the potential for damaging gusts up to 80 mph or higher in the foothills and higher elevations. The National Weather Service says these conditions could lead to widespread power outages, downed trees, and hazardous travel, particularly for high-profile vehicles.
The areas under the High Wind Warning include the Great Smoky Mountains, and the mountains Greene, Cocke, Carter, and Unicoi Counties. South winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 80 mph are expected in these areas. These intense winds could cause significant damage to trees and power lines, leading to power outages across the affected regions.
Meanwhile, a Wind Advisory has been issued for the valley as winds will increase to 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph. The advisory extends until 4 p.m. Wednesday.
As the strong cold front moves through late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, there is a low risk of severe thunderstorms. Damaging winds are the biggest threat for East Tennessee. And if warm weather on Tuesday, gusty winds overnight, and rain on Wednesday aren’t to you liking, there is a chance of snow also in the forecast.
Winter weather conditions are expected to develop Wednesday night into Thursday. Light snow showers are forecast across much of East Tennessee, with accumulations likely in higher elevations. The Great Smoky Mountains, particularly Mount LeConte, have more than a 50 percent chance of receiving at least one inch of snow. Additionally, a dusting to a half-inch of snowfall is possible along the higher elevations of the Cumberland Plateau and parts of Southwest Virginia.
