Heavy Snow in Swain, North Carolina

Snow showers developed across the Tennessee border counties of North Carolina as strong northwest winds developed in the wake of a cold front, pushing moist and cold air up the western slopes of the mountains. The snow showers were heavy at times during the overnight and early morning hours, particularly in the higher elevations along the state line. The snow showers finally tapered off to flurries and light snow showers late on the 2nd. Total snow accumulations varied widely depending upon elevation and proximity to the Tennessee border, with valley totals ranging from only an inch or two in the valleys below the Smokies, to 3 to 6 inches, with locally higher amounts in the valleys of Madison County and the northern mountains. Meanwhile, totals in the high elevations were generally in the 8-12 inch range.