A complex winter storm is expected to affect much of Tennessee, southwest North Carolina, and parts of southwest Virginia this weekend, according to the National Weather Service. Conditions will begin to change Saturday afternoon and continue through Sunday, with a mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain moving across the region as colder air settles in.

In East Tennessee, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 1 p.m. Saturday through 7 p.m. Sunday. Forecasters say snow and sleet totals should stay around an inch or less, but ice buildup of about one-tenth to one-quarter of an inch is expected, with some spots seeing more. Winds could gust as high as 45 miles per hour. Ice on trees and power lines could lead to scattered power outages, and travel may become hazardous, especially Saturday night into Sunday.

For Middle Tennessee, including the Nashville area, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from midnight tonight through Sunday evening. The National Weather Service expects heavier impacts there, with combined snow and sleet totals up to six inches in some areas and ice accumulation ranging from a tenth of an inch to as much as three-quarters of an inch. Officials warn that power outages and tree damage are likely, and travel could become very difficult or even impossible at times.

Parts of East Tennessee and southwest North Carolina are also under an Ice Storm Warning from Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening. In these areas, ice accumulations of a quarter to a half inch are expected. Gusty winds along higher elevations, including the Cumberland Plateau and nearby mountain ridges, could worsen tree damage and increase the risk of prolonged power outages. Travel in these areas is strongly discouraged.

Looking beyond the storm, officials say any water left on roads may refreeze Sunday night into Monday morning, leading to black ice, especially on secondary roads and bridges. Much colder air will follow, with overnight temperatures dropping into the single digits in some locations and wind chills below zero in the higher elevations early next week.

The National Weather Service urges residents to slow down if they must travel, prepare for possible power outages, and check the latest road conditions by calling 511.