ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Western North Carolina residents may see the first snowflakes of the year as cold temperatures hit the state's mountains.

The National Weather Service said Monday the highs for the day around Asheville will be in the 40s, followed by a chance of snowfall and rain after midnight with lows around 30. Accumulations are expected to be less than a half inch.

Forecasters also called for snow showers Tuesday before 11 a.m., followed by rain. Less than a half inch of snow accumulation was expected near the Tennessee border and winds to 20 mph were expected.

Cataloochee ski resort makes snow in preparation for opening.

The NWS has issued a winter weather advisory for snow for the mountain counties bordering Tennessee, which is in effect from 11 p.m. Monday to 2 p.m. Tuesday.

At Cataloochee Ski Area, officials started making snow Monday morning and planned to open the resort early Tuesday afternoon. That would be the earliest opening date ever for Cataloochee.