An upper level low centered overhead, combined with a deepening coastal low brought cold air and strong northwest winds to the area. This resulted in significant upslope snow showers across the west facing slopes of the higher elevations across northwest North Carolina. The strong northwest winds also caused damage across the area.

High Wind in ASHE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 26-FEB-10 04:21:00 to 26-FEB-10 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 60.00 MG
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

The airport at Jefferson reported sustained winds as high as 44 MPH and gusts to 69 MPH.

High Wind in WATAUGA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 26-FEB-10 06:20:00 to 26-FEB-10 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

The airport at Boone reported sustained winds as high as 45 MPH and gusts to 64 MPH.

Winter Storm in WATAUGA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 24-FEB-10 20:00:00 to 26-FEB-10 08:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A prolonged upslope snow event brought a total of around 8 to 9 inches across the higher elevations, with closer to 4 inches in the east. A strong northwest wind also caused considerable blowing and drifting of the snow and near blizzard conditions at times.

Winter Storm in ASHE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 24-FEB-10 21:00:00 to 26-FEB-10 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

A prolonged upslope snow event brought a total of 7 to 14 inches of snow across the higher west facing slopes. A strong northwest wind also caused considerable blowing and drifting of the snow and near blizzard conditions at times.

Blizzard in WATAUGA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 26-FEB-10 01:00:00 to 26-FEB-10 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Heavy upslope snow combined with winds gusting 40 to 60 MPH caused blizzard conditions across the high terrain. Further east near Boone and in the lower elevations near blizzard conditions were common, but lighter snow kept visibilities a little higher. Total accumulations of 8 to 9 inches were common across the higher elevations, where blizzard conditions were likely met.

Blizzard in ASHE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 26-FEB-10 01:00:00 to 26-FEB-10 05:00:00 (EST-5)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Heavy upslope snow combined with winds gusting 40 to 60 MPH caused blizzard conditions across the high terrain. Further east near Jefferson and in the lower elevations near blizzard conditions were common, but lighter snow kept visibilities a little higher. Total accumulations of up to 14 inches were common across the higher elevations, where blizzard conditions were likely met.

High Wind in SURRY, NORTH CAROLINA
From 26-FEB-10 01:46:00 to 26-FEB-10 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

A tree was blown down on Park Drive near Mount Airy, on Possum Trout Valley Lane near Mountain Park, and on Pepper Gap near Cana.

High Wind in WILKES, NORTH CAROLINA
From 25-FEB-10 13:00:00 to 26-FEB-10 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Trees were blown down in the Traphill and Ronda areas. A tree was also reported down on Route 18 near North Wilkesboro.