KINGSPORT -- More snowfall and cold temperatures are expected in the region today as large portions of Southwest Virginia are under a winter storm warning for heavy snow unitl 6 p.m. this evening.
Sullivan, Hawkins and Washington counties in Tennessee are also under a winter weather advisory until 6 p.m. A total of 1 to 3 inches of snowfall is epxected to fall in Northeast Tennessee, and at elevations under 2,500 feet in Southwest Virginia.
Accumulations of 4 to 8 inches are expected in elevations above 2,500 feet. A foot of snow could fall in areas above 4,000 feet, the National Weather Service said Tuesday morning.
Forecasters said the snowfall amounts, combined with strong northwest winds, could likely lead to hazardous driving conditions in higher elevations in Soutwest Virginia.
In addition to the winter weather advisory, much of Northeast Tennessee is under a freeze warning until 10 a.m. Wednesday.
A freeze watch is also in effect for those areas, including Hawkins, Sullivan and Washington counties, from late Wednesday night until Thursday morning.
Forecasters warn that the freezing conditions could kill crops and other sensitive vegetation if left unprotected.
The inclement weather has led several local school systems to alter their schedules Tuesday.
Lee County Schools in Virginia and Hawkins County Schools in Tennessee are both closed, while schools in Scott and Wise counties are on a two-hour delay.
Sullivan County and Kingsport City Schools remained open on their normal schedules Tuesday.