First snow of season eyes Helene-recovery areas in western North Carolina, East Tennessee

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The weather has been exceptional since Hurricane Helene devastated parts of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, which has aided recovery efforts. However, a significant shift is on the horizon. 

A powerful cold front is expected to sweep through the region this week, bringing a stark contrast to the recent mild conditions.

RECOVERY EFFORTS UNDERWAY IN NORTH CAROLINA AS HELENE DEATH TOLL TOPS 250 ACROSS 7 STATES

Morning temperatures will plunge into the 30s by Thursday morning, and daytime highs will struggle to reach the 50s – a stark departure from mid-October weather, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

NORTH CAROLINA CHRISTMAS TREE INDUSTRY RECOVERS FROM HELENE AS HOPE FOR HOLIDAY SUPPLY REMAINS STRONG

This cold snap will pose additional challenges to areas already reeling from the hurricane's damage, particularly those without power or water.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP PEOPLE AFFECTED BY HURRICANES MILTON AND HELENE

Higher elevations could also see the first snowfall of the season, with an inch or more possible above 3,500 feet and potentially several inches accumulating at the peaks of mountains such as Clingmans Dome and Mount Guyot, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

NEARLY 200 MILES OF HISTORIC BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY REOPENS IN APPALACHIA FOLLOWING HELENE

While this winter weather will further strain recovery efforts and add to the hardships faced by affected communities, temperatures will begin to warm back to near average this weekend.