The National Weather Service in Morristown has issued a winter storm warning for the region.
Colder air will continue to move into the southern Appalachians as Hurricane Sandy moves into the Mid Atlantic region.
The strong low pressure system will linger over Pennsylvania before finally lifting north Tuesday night and Wednesday.
Strong winds and abundant moisture wrapping around this storm are forecast to push as far south as Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.
With the colder air moving in, snow is expected to develop over the higher elevations Sunday night and continue through Tuesday night.
The snow is forecast to intensify Monday evening and continue into Tuesday night before tapering off and ending.
Snow accumulations are expected to be very elevation dependent with this system, with minor or no accumulations in most valley locations and heavy accumulations possible over the higher terrain. Snow accumulations of 4 to 12 inches will be possible mainly at elevations above 3,000 feet.
A winter storm warning is in effect from midnight Sunday until 8 a.m. Wednesday.
Rain showers will change to snow showers late Sunday night over the higher elevations. The heaviest snow showers are expected Monday night and Tuesday before tapering off Tuesday night.
Some of the snow may be a heavy wet snow. The weight from this wet snowfall may down some trees and power lines, causing power outages.
Driving may become hazardous due to the snow and ice-covered roadways. Strong winds with heavy snow may cause localized blizzard conditions over the highest elevations at times.