Updated forecasts continue to add to the expected snow totals over the next 72 hours. Forecast totals now place much of the county in the 7 to 9 inch range, with a high end potential of up to 11 inches. Higher elevations could see as much as 15 inches of snow.
Snowfall is expected to begin this afternoon with a brief rain and snow mix at the onset before transitioning to all snow. Light flurries should develop during the afternoon hours, with just over a half inch of accumulation expected by dark.
From this evening through midnight, an additional 1.7 inches of snow is forecast, bringing totals to nearly two inches by late evening. Overnight snowfall through daybreak Saturday is expected to add another 2.3 inches. Between daybreak and midday Saturday, snowfall rates increase again, with an additional 2.5 inches possible. Another 1.6 inches is expected Saturday afternoon, followed by a final half inch to one inch through the early morning hours of Sunday before precipitation tapers off.
Areas north of Interstate 81 may see slightly lower totals, closer to seven inches, while the southern portions of Greene County are expected to experience the greatest impacts. Forecasters classify impacts for southern Greene County as moderate to major.
The highest snowfall totals in East Tennessee are expected in Greene and Johnson Counties, with Greene County positioned near the center of the snow event. Snowfall amounts will increase with elevation, with the mountains likely to see higher totals than the valley.
Despite the significant snowfall, no ice accumulation is expected with this system.
The storm is being driven by a developing weather system along the East Coast, which forecasters say could rapidly intensify into a bomb cyclone. If that occurs, it could evolve into a powerful nor’easter capable of producing heavy snow from the Carolinas into New England. The western edge of the system is expected to extend into the Tennessee Valley and portions of Virginia and West Virginia, with the greatest snowfall potential remaining east of Knoxville. Cold air from the north will meet moisture from the east producing snow.
Very cold conditions will accompany the storm. A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect through Sunday, with overnight low temperatures expected to fall into the single digits. Wind chills are forecast to drop near or below zero across the county, with wind chills of 10 to 20 degrees below zero possible in the higher elevations.
Residents are encouraged to closely monitor updated forecasts and prepare for hazardous travel conditions and prolonged cold through the weekend.
