GATLINBURG, Tenn. — In the heights of the Great Smoky Mountains, snow started to fall on Thursday. Temperatures dropped just below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and officials said that around 1 inch of snow blanketed Mt. LeConte.
They said it was the first legitimate accumulation of snow for the season and that mist started transitioning to snowflakes at around 8 p.m. Wednesday night. In the morning, people at LeConte Lodge were able to see trees covered with white and a sheet of snow covering the top of the area's buildings.
Since the ground was holding onto its warmth, officials also said the snowfall was wet and heavy instead of blanketing the area in ice. They said people in the mountains should bring traction devices, and said the snow line appeared to be high up at 5,000 feet.
People heading to LeConte Lodge shouldn't see bad conditions on the roads, since the snow was so high up. However, a freeze warning was slated for Thursday evening into Friday morning.
Officials said after that, visitors should be able to enjoy a sunny weekend with warming temperatures.
All roads were also open Thursday afternoon.
