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MORRISTOWN — The National Weather Service in Morristown, Tenn., has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for portions of southwest North Carolina, east Tennessee, and southwest Virginia, with snow and dangerously cold temperatures forecast.

Snowfall is expected to begin across the mountains of East Tennessee and southwest Virginia late this afternoon and continue through tonight. The Smoky Mountains are predicted to see 2 to 4 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible. Other higher elevations in southwest Virginia and East Tennessee—mainly at or above 2,500 feet—can expect 1 to 2 inches of snowfall. The plateau and portions of northeast Tennessee may see a light dusting.

Elsewhere, little to no snow accumulation is anticipated.

In addition to the snow, bitterly cold temperatures are forecast to persist across the Tennessee Valley and Southern Appalachians through early this week. Wind chills in the higher elevations are expected to drop into the single digits or near zero, posing a risk for frostbite and hypothermia.

Residents in affected areas should prepare for hazardous travel conditions, particularly in higher elevations, and take precautions against the cold.