Last Updated on October 17, 2026 3:27 pm
A Freeze Warning is in effect from 1 AM to 9 AM Sunday, Oct. 18, for Watauga, Ashe and Avery counties, with lows as low as the upper 20s to lower 30s expected. The National Weather Service says frost and freeze conditions could kill crops and other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. The warning upgrades the Freeze Watch issued earlier.
Watauga and Ashe Counties
The National Weather Service in Blacksburg issued a Freeze Warning at 1:17 AM Saturday for Watauga and Ashe counties, along with parts of southwest Virginia and southeast West Virginia. Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 31 are expected from 1 AM to 9 AM EDT Sunday. Boone, West Jefferson, Independence, Whitetop and Troutdale are among the locations included.
Avery County
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg issued a Freeze Warning at 1:21 AM Saturday for Avery County and other parts of western North Carolina, including Madison, Yancey, Mitchell, Haywood, Buncombe and Swain counties. Sub-freezing temperatures as low as the upper 20s and lower 30s are expected from 1 AM to 9 AM EDT Sunday. Banner Elk and Newland are among the locations included.
What to Do
Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. In-ground sprinkler systems should be drained. Remove hoses and cover above-ground pipes.
Forecast courtesy of the National Weather Service
