KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — As the week continues the temperature is expected to drop and light snow will impact parts of East Tennessee.
We will be Weather AWARE Friday as a light wintry mix with snow showers is expected for some areas. Friday morning, snow showers may begin over the Plateau. Closer to midday, an increase in the coverage of snow showers with a brief wintry mix is possible for parts of the Valley.
A few snow flurries may linger Saturday morning along the Smokies, but it will be cold and brisk across the region. Wind chill values are expected to tumble into the single digits and even below zero by Saturday morning! A Wind Chill Watch has been issued for the Smokies. This will go into effect Friday night and extend through about midday Saturday.
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Snow totals are expected to be minimal for most with a trace to an inch for parts of the Valley, Southern Valley, Plateau and Southeast Kentucky. Isolated parts of the Plateau, Northern Valley and Southeast Kentucky could see up to 2″. The lower elevations of Cocke, Blount, Sevier, Greene and Monroe counties will likely see closer to 1 to 2 inches.
Along the Foothills 2 to 3 inches looks possible. The higher elevations of the Smokies continue to have the best chance for accumulating snow with 3 inches to 6 inches possible above 3,000 feet.
A Winter Storm Warning will go into effect for the Smokies Friday afternoon and continue through Saturday morning. The Winter Storm Warning indicates which areas have the best chance to see light to moderate snowfall.
The timing of this system is not the most conducive for accumulations because it mainly occurs during the middle of the day. This will keep temperatures in the Valley above freezing for the onset of the event. Additionally, pavement temperatures will take time to reach the freezing mark.
Breaks of sunshine return Saturday afternoon but it stays very cold with highs in the upper 20s and low 30s. By Sunday, a quick warm-up returns boosting temperatures into the mid-40s. To find out more about the upcoming forecast and get live weather alerts, download our weather app on Apple iTunes or the Google Play store.