Winter storm system will bring snow, ice and a cold rain to parts of the Carolinas

Precipitation type will depend on the track of the low pressure
Kaitlin Wright,

Confidence is increasing that Charlotte will break our longest snowless (measurable) streak on record.
  • Timing: 5 PM Friday – 12 PM Saturday
  • Impacts: Travel will be a mess and will be our greatest impact — especially overnight into Saturday morning.
  • Precipitation type: Precipitation will likely start as snow on Friday before transitioning to a wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain late Friday evening into Saturday morning.
Uncertainties: The totals I have below will likely change a bit. There is still uncertainty on exact timing, temperature and track of the low pressure. This will not be a significant event in terms of massive totals (due to the fast moving nature of the storm and the wintry mix), but we are in Charlotte… so an inch of snow will cause issues. I will keep you updated!Scenario 2 Snowfall

Monday PM 1/7 Update:

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — An area of low pressure will form near the Texas coast on Thursday before tracking toward the Carolinas. With cold air in place and moisture spreading into the region, this could mean snow for some people. We are still four days out from this event, so specifics are limited.

Here is what we know:
Timing: Friday PM into Saturday AM
Uncertainty: Exact timing and exact precipitation type due to the track of the low pressure.

Scenario 1 (European model track shift to the north):
– Mountain wintry mix
– Cold rain for everyone else

Scenario 2 (European model):
– Mountain snow
– Wintry mix south of the Foothills — including in the piedmont
– Cold rain to our south (Columbia)

Scenario 3 (European model track shift to the south):
– Snow for everyone
– Wintry mix to our south (Columbia)Potential Tracks