Residents brace for freezing rain as winter weather nears Western North Carolina

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Winter weather is expected to arrive in Western North Carolina on Jan. 5.

The weather is forecasted to begin with light rain around sunset on Sunday, transitioning to the possibility of freezing rain overnight into Monday, Jan. 6

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY ISSUED FOR MCDOWELL COUNTY WITH POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT ICING

William Kehler, Emergency Services Director for McDowell County, released a statement on how the county is preparing for the incoming weather:

“We are monitoring the situation closely and will adjust staffing levels at EMS and 911 accordingly should the forecast change. These are the types of systems where a degree or two in temperature can make a big difference. The main areas of impact for us, based upon the advisory from NWS, will be the high elevation areas in NW McDowell County.”

Robin Gardner told News 13 that she has lived in Old Fort for about 40 years and still ventures out for essentials before harsh weather.

“We have extra propane bottles filled up, and we just got our 100-pound tank hooked up today—I have groceries stocked, all the things, gas in my vehicle,” she said.

Gardner said while she plans to stay inside and away from the cold, she also has a plan in case she has to venture out again.

“I will just stay inside for the next few days, and if I do have to go out, I’ll dress in layers — leggings on top of leggings, on top of jeans, on top of sweatpants,” she said.

According to News 13’s weather report, temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, with high wind gusts reaching approximately 30 mph.

While most areas in the region are not expected to experience freezing rain, the likelihood of freezing rain is highest along and near the Blue Ridge escarpment in areas such as Black Mountain, Ridgecrest, Montreat, Spruce Pine, Woodlawn, and Newland.

WINTER WEATHER TO BRING RAIN AND POSSIBLE FREEZING RAIN TO WNC STARTING JAN. 5

By Monday morning, temperatures in these areas are expected to rise above freezing, while the rest of the region will continue to experience cold rain.

For more information or details about the incoming weather, visit the National Weather Service’s website.