Hikers should be aware of the high country forecast for the southwest VA, western NC, and eastmost TN, over the next 48-72 hours: Rain, wind, followed by snow and wind. Accumulations up to 3-6", subfreezing overnight lows, and winds of 20-30 mph, gusting to +50 mph, along the western facing upslope areas, which is essentially the entire NC-TN border.
Hopefully we won't see any post-Sandy "gee, the forecast for (insert low-elevation city) didn't say anything about snow, subfreezing temps, and gale force winds" reports from affected hikers.
Refer to www.raysweather.com for more details.
AO