Winter Weather Advisory

A round of freezing rain is making for a hazardous start to Tuesday across portions of western North Carolina. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory until 10 a.m., warning of slick roads and the potential for black ice.

The advisory covers Avery, Buncombe, Henderson, Mitchell, and Yancey counties, along with the mountain areas of Burke, McDowell, Polk, and Rutherford counties. Drivers in these locations are urged to limit travel this morning, as even light icing can create dangerous conditions.

For Rutherford County, the advisory primarily affects the Chimney Rock and Lake Lure areas, but officials note that slick spots may develop in lower elevations as well.

Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time, reduce speeds, and use caution on bridges and overpasses, where ice forms first. Conditions are expected to improve by late morning as temperatures gradually rise.