Folks, brace yourselves! A Weather Warn Day has been issued for this Saturday, and it seems we’re in for a turbulent weather adventure. Snow, ice, sleet, and freezing rain are all on the horizon for the mountains, as a storm system sweeps through, drawing moisture from the Gulf.

It all begins on Friday evening, and it’s not going to be a tranquil affair. The temperature will creep into the 40s, paving the way for a mixture of rain and snow. As the night progresses, things are expected to get particularly fascinating. Precipitation is set to descend upon the region, bringing cold rain, patches of freezing rain, and even some sleet and snow.

The worst-case scenario here is waking up to a slippery, icy world on Saturday morning. For those living east and northeast of Asheville, it may not be advisable to venture out at the crack of dawn. There’s a genuine risk of scattered power outages and treacherous travel conditions. So, unless absolutely necessary, it’s best to stay put until the coast is clear.

But fear not – it’s not all doom and gloom. By lunchtime, the moisture will have departed, and things will begin to dry up. Just bear in mind that bridges and overpasses are likely to ice over, so caution is of utmost importance if you find yourself behind the wheel.

In the higher elevations, above 3,500 feet, we could see anywhere from 1-3 inches of snow. Even in the valleys, including our beloved Asheville, there’s a chance of some minor snow and sleet buildup. However, the real concern lies further south and east, where ice could be the main event. With elevated surfaces like bridges and overpasses in the firing line, vigilance is key.

As we move into Sunday, a northwest flow might bring a few snow showers, especially near the Tennessee state line. There could be some accumulation, but nothing too significant is expected at this point.

Looking ahead to next week, it appears we’re in for another bout of rain. The silver lining is that temperatures will be on the milder side, so it’s likely to remain as rain rather than snow or sleet.

So, folks, it’s shaping up to be a turbulent ride. Make sure you’re stocked up with cosy blankets, hot chocolate, and if possible, stay off the roads until it’s all passed. And who knows, maybe we’ll even have the chance to build a snowman or two!