Winter Storm Inbound

Up front: 
This is going to be a pretty significant winter event for East Tennessee standards. All winter weather hazards are on the table, from accumulating snow, some ice accretion, power outage potential, very hazardous roads, etc. That being said, let's break it down a bit further. 

As you can see above, the likelihood for moderate impacts is high (60% chance or greater) for much of the region. Prepare now, if you haven't already, for hazardous driving conditions and the potential for power outages. 
TIMING:
A very wet snow will begin sometime mid to late Friday morning (8-11 am) before largely wrapping up into Saturday morning. Keep in mind, lingering snow flurries/light snow showers will remain possible through Saturday to even Sunday morning.

Parts of the forecast that are more uncertain:
Depicted above is a graphic highlighting areas of the highest uncertainty (outside of the higher terrain of the Smokies). Snowfall will start out wet and heavy at times, meaning a heavier "sloppier" snow, before warmer air within the atmosphere noses in from the south. This will throw a wrench in the plans, introducing the chance for varying precipitation types (sleet/freezing rain/ and even straight rain for some). This will take place sometime into the afternoon to early evening hours not only eating into snow totals, but also creating even greater hazardous conditions for roadways and the power grid. Eventually, this will transition back to all snow into Friday night, before tapering off into Saturday.

As this animation plays through, the colors begin changing across the southeastern quadrant of the state. This is depicting the warmer air funneling in from the south and allowing for varying types of precipitation. As it stands now, and a few changes are likely, a ballpark 3-6" is expected for the vast majority of the region. That said, those south of I-40, particularly closer to the border of Georgia, are more in the 2-4" range given the likelihood for mixed precipitation for a time. 

Stay safe, prepare now if you haven't already, and stay warm! We will provide updates here and via social media in the days to come.

Pre-recorded for 5pm weather broadcast