Caution urged when driving
The first snowfall of 2022 comes with a winter storm warning from the National Weather Service for several counties, including Macon and Jackson until noon on Jan. 3.
Pictured below is downtown Highlands at 5:15 a.m. on Jan. 3.
Travel will be difficult and be aware of possible fallen trees along your morning commute. NWS predicts potentially 3-5 inches of snow with wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
Temperatures dropped during the predawn hours and heavy rains turned into snow accompanied by high winds.
The warning was issued for Macon, Jackson, Swain, and Graham counties.
Although the ground is relatively warm because of the recent warm temperatures, the snow is expected to fall at high rates and accumulate evenly on roads.
Visibility was low during the predawn hours in downtown Highlands.
The snow should taper off from the west by mid-morning, but slippery roads and black ice conditions could persist or redevelop well into Tuesday morning.
The snow was blowing sideways in the strong gusts of wind in downtown Highlands just before dawn.
Precautionary Actions
A Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Only travel in an emergency.
If you must travel, keep a flashlight, food, water, and a warm blanket in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
For more information click HERE.
Article courtesy of the National Weather Service