Good morning,

Confidence continues to increase that a significant winter storm will impact much of NC over the weekend with impacts lingering into early next week as below normal temperatures move in behind the winter storm. While specific types and amounts are highly dependent on where transition zones occur, a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is possible statewide. Now is the time to prepare for winter weather and the potential for power outages across your area.

• A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the mountains, Piedmont and inland portions of the Coastal Plain from Saturday morning through Monday afternoon. Snow and sleet accumulations, and significant ice accumulations are possible on power lines and tree limbs causing widespread and long-lasting power outages. As confidence in precipitation accumulations increase, a Winter Storm Warning and/or Ice Storm Warning is likely for portions of NC.
• While it’s too early for specific snow, sleet and ice accumulations for the whole event, the greatest snowfall is likely across northern portions of NC with greater sleet and ice accumulations across southern portions of the state. Little to no accumulation from snow and ice are forecast along coastal areas.



• While mostly dry conditions are forecast Thursday, scattered light rain showers are possible across portions of the mountains through tonight with light wintry precipitation at high elevation possible this morning. On Friday, light rain showers are forecast as a slow moving cold front pushes out of the region.

• The most impactful precipitation remains over the weekend where a wintry mix is forecast across much of the state. Light precipitation is forecast to begin early Saturday spreading west to east, mostly in the form of light snow or sleet. Precipitation rates increase by Saturday evening, where snow and sleet is possible for northern portions of the state with a transition to sleet and freezing rain for southern regions. As warmer temperatures aloft move in Saturday night into Sunday, a transition to sleet and freezing rain is possible, even for northern areas. Precipitation is forecast to end from west to east Sunday night into early Monday morning, possibly ending as light snow.
• While not expected to reach advisory criteria, breezy conditions are expected over the weekend with the strongest winds gusts across southeast NC.

• All wintry precipitation types are expected with this event and the probability of moderate impacts is 60-90% across much of NC from all precipitation types. Moderate impacts may cause hazardous driving conditions, and closures or disruptions to infrastructure. The probability of major impacts is the greatest along the NC/GA border in the southern mountains (40-50%) with a 20-30% chance across much of the Piedmont and western Coastal Plain. Major impacts may cause considerable disruptions to daily live with dangerous or impassable driving conditions. Widespread closure and disruptions of infrastructure may occur.
• Avoid travel if possible but if you are on the roadways, reduce speed and leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Be sure to clear your car of any snow or ice to allow visibility as you drive.
• Keep enough non-perishable food, water, and medications for at least 3 days. Ensure you have warm clothing and blankets as well as an updated first aid/emergency kit. Charge your phone and devices in advance so that you are able to receive alerts. Also, don’t forget about your pets.

• Dangerously cold wind chills are forecast to develop Monday night into Tuesday morning and snowpack/ice accumulation is likely to through early next week. Highs and lows are expected be near record breaking for some areas Monday and/or Tuesday. A Cold Weather Advisory or Extreme Cold Watch/Warning will likely be needed.
• Cold temperatures may lead to hypothermia or frost bite, so take appropriate precautions. Remember to keep generators outdoors and at least 20 ft. away from entry points to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Please let me know if you have any questions.