Evan Fisher

I've always used this account to tell WNC's story through the lens of weather and maps A comprehensive Helene analysis will take years to complete, and I'm anxious to get started. I'll be releasing a new website in the days ahead to share all of my work and document our recovery

Peak fall colors in Patagonia

@WilliamNicks7 Agreed. If we're still dealing with severe+ drought come August/September, any amount of rain will be too little, too late.

@EFisherWX The drought will tank leaf season.

Leaf-out is 1-2 weeks ahead of schedule across WNC, and that may result in an early start to fall colors this year. Ultimately, October temperatures dictate the exact timing of peak color, but spring leaf-out is a significant factor.

@jharrisonAVL Holy smokes, that photo is something else...

For first time since Sept. 2024, the Old Fort Loops will have trains rolling down the mountain this weekend. This is a huge win for WNC and Norfolk Southern, who have brought a key connector back. Photo from Oct. 2024 (I am in the photo for scale). tinyurl.com/as9c93c9

@SCweather_wx Much appreciated!

@EFisherWX Sounds perfect. Nice averaged out date that fits well.

And in typical fashion, Central South Carolina is hitting their real peak as far as Fall foliage around Thanksgiving. It comes in two waves & the second one is always fantastic, even this far South.

@JobinTwo @Ashevegas Yes, sadly this could not be supported with the current state of things. Given the slate of openings that have been promised by the end of 2026, perhaps it'd be viable next year though. BRP and MST reopenings are the primary issue I believe.

@EFisherWX @Ashevegas The Black Mountain Marathon hasn’t occurred since the storm, but depending on conditions runners can go up to Mount Mitchell. I think that trail is just pretty treacherous, and it would be tough to support runners on it

WNC thoughts... How is there not an organized race from Black Mountain to Burnsville? It's exactly 50k from town square to town square and traverses the full length of the Blacks. Given all of the amazing ultras in our area, this seems like low hanging fruit.

@localyokelwx Very cool, I did not know about this trail! Much appreciated.

@EFisherWX I wonder if you could use any of the Burnsville Connector trail or the Appalachian High Route share.google/osEdYuAzN2QG9P… We have a similar hike locally >>> From Blackrock (near Yellow Face), down to Speedy's Pizza in Sylva (you could see the peak from Speedy's)

@BonifaceOperant Bless your heart, this is all trail. Go be ornery somewhere else.

@EFisherWX There are specific routes for bicycles. This isnt one of them. If I come up on you riding your little road bike on this road, I’m running you the fuck over.

Today! US 64 heading into Bat Cave is open. No more "local traffic only" designation. However, some construction remains. Obey traffic signs & signals. Head into Bat Cave, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure! Learn more: bit.ly/4m8BITn

@NMS_Screenshots @NWSGSP x.com/WNCSCAN/status…

@NMS_Screenshots @NWSGSP I didn't feel this one! My pup is laying right beside me, and it didn't get his attention either. I wonder if this one was centered closer to y'all?

... Ok, jumped on here for this and seeing some confirmation. As I mentioned before, it was brief but shook the whole house for a moment... and sent the cats running. Not nearly as long as the 4.1 last year but it was about as intense when it shook. @NWSGSP @EFisherWX

Roughly 70 reports of 1–2" hail hit IL, IN, OH & western PA yesterday. 🌩️Hailstorms are costly & rising, w/ billion-dollar events more common. Early 2026 activity signals an active season ahead - even one storm can cause major damage. #ConsultMonarch 🔗: monarchweather.com/insights

Incredible shots here. Northwest flow snow often forms near the NC/TN line and the flakes get blown downstream. In this case, you can clearly see how gap winds are blowing the snow away from the source region in pictures 2 and 3!

@JoshGriffithWX Looks like there might be two or three more behind it 👀

This squall in northern Buncombe Co. is INSANE! Unbelievable snow rates!

Hail, damaging winds, and a tornado warning this morning Snow/sleet/rain mix this evening March at its finest!

@jjrennie Just checked on it, still not updating... I get it - I wouldn't want to troubleshoot something in the Esri ecosystem either!

Uhhhhhh

@localyokelwx @SCweather_wx It's been a work in progress for about 30 years! Hopefully, we'll figure it out in the next 30 😄 In all seriousness, these events are crazy cool. I think we'll spend a lifetime trying figure out the nuances, and you'll love 'em when y'all get up here.

@SCweather_wx the new norm "seems" to be low level flow and subsequent streamers. makes finding that sweet spot even tougher but the ole rule of closer to the TN line the better still applies. @EFisherWX's post on this sums it up well x.com/i/status/20177…

Man one thing that i really think is a HUGE work in progress from a forecasting standpoint is NW flow snow. I don’t even live in the mountains & it seems so fickle from the outside looking in. You got these events that look like they will be huge then bust then you get these overachievers all the time. (Not saying this one is or isn’t) @EFisherWX & @localyokelwx are great with it. Got a few years to figure out the best spot before my wife & I move up there. Haha