Winter Storm Warnings in Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville sits in the Tennessee Valley, where the surrounding ridges of the Appalachian foothills create a climate that teases winter weather without delivering it consistently. Based on thirteen years of data spanning 2012 through 2024, the city averages just 5.8 inches (14.7 cm) of snowfall per year — modest by almost any standard. When snow does fall, it tends to concentrate in January, February, and March, though even those months offer no guarantee of accumulation.
Notably, Knoxville recorded an average of zero heavy-snow days per year over this period. That figure tells an important story: meaningful snowfall here is genuinely rare, not merely infrequent. Average winter overnight lows hover right at the freezing mark — about 33.9°F (1.1°C) — which means precipitation often falls as rain, sleet, or a mix rather than clean snow.
A winter storm warning issued for Knoxville signals a serious and relatively unusual threat. Because the region sees so little snow, even a modest accumulation can overwhelm roads, strand drivers, and disrupt daily life quickly. It is worth knowing that warning thresholds are not uniform across the country — the snowfall totals required to trigger a warning in Knoxville are considerably lower than those used in northern cities accustomed to heavy winters. When a warning is posted here, forecasters mean it.
| Years analyzed | 13 winters (2012–2024) |
|---|---|
| Avg. annual snowfall | 5.8 in (14.7 cm) |
| Snowiest months | January, February, March |
| Avg. winter overnight low | 33.9°F (1.1°C) |
| Heavy-snow days per year | 0 |
Climatology figures are approximate estimates for the period shown and may differ from official local records.
Watch vs warning: a winter storm watch means a major storm is possible in Knoxville within 12–48 hours (be prepared); a winter storm warning means it is happening or about to (take action now). For full definitions, see the complete winter storm warning guide.
Knoxville winter storm FAQ
Is there a winter storm warning in Knoxville right now?
The live status at the top of this page shows whether a winter storm warning, watch, or advisory is currently in effect for Knoxville, Tennessee. It checks live forecast and alert data automatically and refreshes every time the page loads.
Does Knoxville get winter storm warnings often?
Knoxville sees only occasional snow, so winter storm warnings are infrequent, though disruptive snow and ice events do occur. The frequency varies year to year with the track of major storm systems.
How much snow triggers a winter storm warning in Knoxville?
There is no single national trigger: warning criteria are set by each local National Weather Service office, ranging from a couple of inches of snow in areas where snow is rare up to 6 inches or more in snow-belt regions, and significant ice accumulation can warrant a warning on its own. In a lower-snow area like Knoxville, warnings can be issued for amounts snowier regions would shrug off.
What should I do during a winter storm warning in Knoxville?
Avoid travel if possible, stay indoors and keep warm, prepare for power outages, keep an emergency kit, and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours. Follow guidance from Tennessee authorities and the National Weather Service (NWS).
Winter storm warnings in nearby locations
- Winter storm warning in Asheville, NC
- Winter storm warning in Chattanooga, TN
- Winter storm warning in Greenville, SC
- Winter storm warning in Lexington, KY
- Winter storm warning in Atlanta, GA
- Winter storm warning in Bowling Green, KY
See all locations, read the latest winter weather news, or the full winter storm warning guide. Definitions follow the National Weather Service (NWS) criteria; thresholds vary by region.