Key facts
- Alert
- Freeze Warning (severe)
- Issued by
- National Weather Service, Greenville-Spartanburg SC
- Areas
- Avery; Madison; Yancey; Mitchell; Swain; Haywood; Buncombe; Graham; Northern Jackson; Macon; Southern Jackson
- In effect
- until 9:00 AM EDT, Oct 18, 2026
What the National Weather Service says
“Sub-freezing temperatures as low as the upper 20s and lower 30s expected.”
NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC, Freeze Warning, 1:21 AM EDT Oct 17, 2026 · official alert
“Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.”
NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC, Freeze Warning, 1:21 AM EDT Oct 17, 2026 · official alert
What to do
Cover or bring in tender plants before the freeze begins at 1 AM EDT Sunday. Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops and other sensitive vegetation.
Drain in-ground sprinkler systems. Remove hoses and cover above-ground pipes so unprotected outdoor plumbing is less likely to be damaged.
Protect pets from the cold and check on older neighbors. If you must drive, the National Weather Service advises carrying a winter kit, and avoiding travel if you can.
Context
The National Weather Service warning covers Avery, Madison, Yancey, Mitchell, Swain, Haywood, Buncombe, Graham, Northern Jackson, Macon and Southern Jackson counties.
FEMA records show past federal disaster declarations in several of these counties, most recently for Tropical Storm Helene in September 2024. Flood-insurance claim counts, such as 288 in Avery County, cover only insured properties and reflect flood history, not freeze risk.
Updates
- The freeze warning is no longer in effect.
- NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC issued the freeze warning until 9:00 AM EDT.
History here
This county: 288 flood insurance claims in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program records since 1979, most recent 2024.
This county: recent federal disaster declarations
- DR-4827 (2024): tropical storm helene
- DR-4617 (2021): remnants of tropical storm fred
- DR-4153 (2013): severe storms, flooding, landslides, mudslides
- DR-4146 (2013): severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides
- DR-1871 (2010): severe winter storms and flooding
This county: 110 flood insurance claims in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program records since 1978, most recent 2024.
This county: recent federal disaster declarations
- DR-4827 (2024): tropical storm helene
- DR-4617 (2021): remnants of tropical storm fred
- DR-4543 (2020): severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
- DR-4393 (2018): hurricane florence
- DR-4146 (2013): severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides
This county: 146 flood insurance claims in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program records since 1983, most recent 2024.
This county: recent federal disaster declarations
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Questions
- Is there a Freeze Warning in western North Carolina?
- Yes. The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg issued a Freeze Warning for parts of western North Carolina, in effect from 1 AM to 9 AM EDT Sunday.
- How cold will it get during the Freeze Warning?
- The National Weather Service expects sub-freezing temperatures as low as the upper 20s and lower 30s.
- What should I do to protect my home and plants from the freeze?
- The National Weather Service says to protect tender plants, drain in-ground sprinkler systems, remove hoses and cover above-ground pipes.
Sources
- NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC: Freeze Warning, Oct 17, 2026 weather.gov
- FEMA OpenFEMA: NFIP claims and disaster declarations fema.gov
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