We have two storms expected to impact the area between now and Saturday morning. For some, this will mean dangerous road conditions and a chance of up to 6 inches of snow or sleet. See how these storms will affect your area below:
STORM #1: This storm will be the weaker of the two and will have limited amounts of moisture to work with.
CHARLOTTE:
Summary– Mostly cloudy skies and cold conditions are expected Wednesday with snow showers and flurries developing during the afternoon, and early evening. Any snow that falls is expected to be light with no significant impacts. Temperatures will be slightly above freezing so roadways are expected to remain dry or damp and not frozen. Any flurries that develops will come to an end early in the evening.
Timing– Best chance for snow showers or flurries will be between 2pm and 7pm.
Accumulation– No snow accumulation is expected.
FOOTHILLS:
Summary– Cloudy skies are expected Wednesday with scattered snow showers developing during the afternoon. We are not expecting any travel concerns associated with this storm. Temperatures will be in the low to mid 30s so most of the snow will melt on impact. Roadways will remain wet or dry, but not frozen. With temperatures hovering at or just above freezing, it is possible there could be a minor dusting of snow on grassy surfaces. Any flurries that develops will come to an end early in the evening.
Timing– Best chance for snow showers or flurries will be between 12pm and 7pm.
Accumulation– A dusting is possible on grassy surfaces, roadways will not be impacted.
MOUNTAINS:
Summary– Cloudy skies are expected Wednesday with flurries developing during the morning. Flurries will transition into light snow by noon, and linger throughout the day. Temperatures will remain at or below freezing therefore slick spots may develop on untreated roads. Most areas will receive 1-2 inches of snow, but higher peaks over 5,000 feet could receive up to 3 inches. Snow will dissipate into the evening hours.
Timing– Flurries possible during the morning, light snow develops between 12pm and 7pm.
Accumulation– Areas at or over 3,500 feet will see 1-2 inches of snow, over 5,000 feet could receive up to 3 inches.
STORM #2: This is expected to be a large storm that will have many impacts across the region. Heavy rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow will develop Thursday night and linger into early Saturday.
CHARLOTTE:
Summary– Clouds will gradually thicken Thursday as the next storm begins to develop to our southwest. Rain, sleet, and snow will develop Thursday night but will quickly transition to a cold rain. Rain is expected to fall throughout the day Friday and could be heavy at times. Minor flooding may be a concern with some areas receiving 1-2 inches of rain. As the storm pulls away Friday night, lingering rain showers will transition to snow showers. At this point, most of the moisture is expected to be out of the area and no significant snowfall is expected. Temperatures will remain at or above freezing so no travel concerns are expected at this time.
Timing– Best chance for rain will arrive around 12am Friday and linger until about 6am Saturday.
Accumulation– Rain will be the the biggest threat with minor flooding possible from 1-2 inches of rainfall. If there is enough moisture remaining Friday night, there may be some minor snow accumulation of grassy surfaces.
FOOTHILLS:
Summary– Clouds will gradually thicken Thursday as the next storm begins to develop to our southwest. Rain, sleet, and snow will develop Thursday night but will quickly transition to a rain/freezing rain. At this point, some of the roads may become slick if temperatures remain below freezing. Early morning commute Friday will be dangerous. Any freezing rain will transition to a cold rain/sleet Friday as temperatures warm above freezing. Minor flooding may be a concern with some areas receiving 1-2 inches of rain. As the storm pulls away late Friday afternoon, rain showers will transition to snow showers. The exact amount of moisture remaining with this system is in question and will ultimately determine how much snow accumulation is possible Friday night. There is the potential for some snow accumulation, but future forecasts will be able to better determine the exact amounts. Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing Friday night therefore any snow that falls could once again create slick spots on untreated surfaces. The best chance for accumulating snow will be on grassy surfaces.
Timing– Best chance for rain will arrive around 12am Friday and linger until about 6am Saturday. Although most of this is expected to be rain, a wintry mix is possible during the first few hours and some snowfall is expected Friday night.
Accumulation– A light coating of snow or ice is possible Thursday night. 1-2 inches of rain is possible Friday. Some snow accumulation is possible Friday night.
MOUNTAINS:
Summary– Cloudy skies are expected Thursday with light snow developing Thursday night. The snow may become heavy at times late Thursday and linger throughout the day Friday. At this point, some freezing rain and sleet will likely mix in with the snow. This may hold down total snowfall amounts. It is too early to determine exactly how much mixing will occur. Regardless, any mixed precipitation will transition back to all snow Friday evening and continue through Friday night. Snow showers will gradually taper off Saturday as the storm pulls away from the area. Temperatures will remain at or below freezing during the entire event. This will guarantee dangerous driving conditions regardless of the precipitation type. If you have plans to the mountains Thursday through Saturday please remain weather aware.
Timing– Snow will develop Thursday night, best chance for snow will be 10pm Thursday through 12pm Saturday. The heaviest precipitation will fall during the day Friday. Freezing rain and sleet will likely mix in at times.
Accumulation– It is a little to early to nail down specifics, but a major winter storm will likely impact this area. The potential is there for 6 or more inches of snow and sleet. The exact track will ultimately determine snow totals. If freezing rain and sleet mix in for a large portion of the storm, storm totals will be hindered significantly and may only reach a few inches. If snow is the dominate type of precipitation, this could be a very memorable storm!
