— Parts of the mountains of western North Carolina saw as much as 8 inches of snow Saturday as a low-pressure system made its way across the state.

"Travel will be hazardous in the mountains with the potential for power outages due to the heavy, wet snow piling up on the leaves of the trees," said WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel.

Forecasters say up to 18 inches of snow could fall at higher elevations on the western side of the mountains. Up to 6 inches of snow is expected elsewhere in the area.

A winter weather advisory is in effect in parts of three counties. About 3 inches of snow is possible Buncombe, Graham and northern Jackson counties.

The Triangle won't see any white stuff, but showers began to move out of the area Saturday night, setting up a clear but cold Sunday.

Overnight lows dipped to near freezing Sunday morning, and afternoon highs will struggle to reach 50 degrees.

"The sun will be out Sunday, but it will be breezy," WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth said.

The National Weather Service issued a freeze watch for all of central North Carolina beginning early Monday morning.

Monday will begin cold with low temperatures around 32 degrees. By the afternoon hours, temperatures will be approaching the mid-60s with sunny skies.