Powerful cold front set to sweep through communities already devastated by Helene, bringing freezing temps and snow

The weather has been exceptional since Hurricane Helene devastated parts of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, which has aided recovery efforts. However, a significant shift is on the horizon. 

A powerful cold front is expected to sweep through the region this week, bringing a stark contrast to the recent mild conditions.

Morning temperatures will plunge into the 30s by Thursday morning, and daytime highs will struggle to reach the 50s – a stark departure from mid-October weather, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

This cold snap will pose additional challenges to areas already reeling from the hurricane’s damage, particularly those without power or water.

Higher elevations could also see the first snowfall of the season, with an inch or more possible above 3,500 feet and potentially several inches accumulating at the peaks of mountains such as Clingmans Dome and Mount Guyot, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

While this winter weather will further strain recovery efforts and add to the hardships faced by affected communities, temperatures will begin to warm back to near average this weekend.