ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Gusty showers and a few thunderstorms moved across parts of Western North Carolina early Friday, prompting a special weather statement warning of wind gusts up to 50 mph, according to the National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg.

The statement, issued at 6:39 a.m., said Doppler radar was tracking a line of storms stretching from near Johnson City, Tennessee, to west of Murphy, North Carolina, moving east at about 50 mph. The strongest cells were expected to affect Macon, Northern Jackson, Madison, Swain, Mitchell, northwestern Avery, central Graham, Haywood, northwestern Buncombe and Yancey counties through 7:45 a.m.

Forecasters warned that gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Communities in the path included Franklin, Sylva, Waynesville, Burnsville, Bryson City, Marshall, Robbinsville, Newland, Cherokee and Woodfin.

Showers were expected to taper off later Friday morning, with a brief lull and partial clearing during the afternoon as a cold front moves through the region. Winds could continue to gust through the evening before diminishing overnight.

Rain chances are forecast to increase again late Friday night into early Saturday, mainly along and south of Interstate 85. Rainfall totals are expected to range between a tenth and a quarter inch, with minimal impacts anticipated.

In Asheville, there was a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 a.m. Friday, with gradual clearing and a high near 70 degrees. Northwest winds of 8 to 13 mph were expected, with gusts up to 28 mph.

Light rain chances continue into the weekend, with generally minor impacts. Forecasters said a brief return to winter is possible beginning Sunday, bringing gusty northwest winds, colder temperatures and a chance of mountain snow Sunday night into early Monday.