In this handout satellite image provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Hurricane Sandy, pictured at 00:15 UTC, churns off the east coast on Oct. 28, 2012 in the Atlantic Ocean. (credit: NASA via Getty Images)
MORRISTOWN, Tenn. (AP) — Hurricane Sandy, merging with a secondary upper-level low, will create a very strong storm system across the central Appalachians during the first part of the week.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the higher elevations of East Tennessee and the Smokies through early Wednesday.
The heaviest snowfall is expected to come overnight, and accumulations of 6 to 17 inches are possible at elevations above 3,500 feet.
Northwest winds will continue to increase, and a wind advisory is in effect through Tuesday evening across the region.
A winter weather advisory is in effect for lower elevations of northeast Tennessee.
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