A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the high country through Saturday morning. Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties are included in the advisory, marking the first significant snow event of the season. Freezing temperatures, gusty winds and accumulating snow will create potentially dangerous travel conditions beginning Thursday afternoon. An upper level disturbance is driving cold air and moisture into the Southern Appalachians. This combined with northwest wind and orographic lift will lead to snow showers beginning Thursday afternoon. Conditions will deteriorate Thursday evening with snow likely through Friday night. Snowfall totals will range from 1-4 inches for most of the high country with up to 6 inches possible for elevations above 5000′. Snow covered roads will make travel slippery and blowing snow from gusty winds will reduce visibility for drivers. Strong gusts of 50 mph could also bring down trees weakened by Tropical Storm Helene and cause isolated power outages. Conditions will improve through the day Saturday with winds dying down through the weekend. Although wind chills will dip into the teens and 20s Friday morning, temperatures will warm back into the 50s by Sunday afternoon.