Parts of North Carolina’s mountains woke up under a fresh blanket of snow Friday morning, bringing an early taste of winter just a few hours from Charlotte.
Snow began falling Thursday afternoon on Beech Mountain before spreading across the High Country overnight. By sunrise Friday, rooftops, trees and lawns around Banner Elk were coated in white.
Photos posted across the region showed wintry scenes from some of North Carolina’s best-known mountain communities.
The National Weather Service says the highest elevations could receive 1 to 3 inches through the event. Lower elevations are expected to see lighter accumulation because relatively warm ground temperatures will melt some of the snow.
Avery County, home to Banner Elk and several popular ski destinations, could receive another inch Friday. Temperatures there are expected to remain in the upper 30s, with northwest winds gusting up to 35 mph.
The snow was already affecting travel Friday morning.
Avery County Schools switched to remote learning because of snow-covered roads in parts of the county. Watauga and Ashe county schools remained on regular schedules as of early Friday.
Boone and Blowing Rock could also see additional snow showers Friday and Friday evening. The National Weather Service says Boone could pick up as much as another inch.
Higher elevations will stay especially cold through the weekend. Wind chills could fall into the teens Saturday and Sunday mornings before temperatures begin climbing again next week.
For Charlotte residents looking for the season’s first nearby winter scenery, the snow-covered High Country is roughly a two-hour drive away.
Drivers heading toward Boone, Banner Elk or Beech Mountain Friday should watch for slick bridges, shaded roads and blowing snow at higher elevations.
