Locales in higher elevations getting prepped for sizeable snow potential

Higher elevation spots beyond the Tri Cities region could see measurable snow amounts according to the latest forecast models from the National Weather Service in Morristown.

Portions of western North Carolina, Northeast Tennessee and select sections of Southwest Virginia are listed among locales under a winter weather advisory that stretches into Thursday morning. An outlook posted by the weather service says locations like Laurel Bloomery, Hampton, Gatlinburg and Erwin could receive between 2 and 4 inches while precip patterns at elevations above 5,000 feet could produce up to 6 inches along with winds above 40 miles per hour.

The agency report said slick conditions are possible throughout the region beginning Wednesday afternoon after 3 pm.

Workers with TDOT were out with pretreatment equipment on Tuesday, coating Interstate 26 in a melt mixture in preparation for changing road conditions.

Updated forecasts and special weather statements are available by clicking here.

Video: Here’s a look at a ⁦@myTDOT⁩ crew pretreating this morning on I-26 West near the TN/VA state line. You can see how close they are to traffic. Please give extra room so our crews can work safely. #myTDOT #WorkWithUs pic.twitter.com/R9MfL9t58D

— Mark Nagi (@MarkNagiTDOT) January 13, 2026

(IMAGE: Property of Tennessee Department of Transportation / M. Nagi / Official X account)