60s tomorrow before a major winter storm

Tracking the latest with the weekend storm
Janessa Webb,

Tonight, will be mostly cloudy with temperatures a bit warmer compared to last few nights, as a weak cold front makes its way across the region. This will give way to a few showers tomorrow, but most of the day stays on the dry side.  Tomorrow remains the pick day of the week with daytime highs in the upper 50s.

Weekend Winter Storm: Long duration event of sleet and ice

This storm has a lot going on, and not all of the details are locked in yet. What is clear is that everyone in the area should expect some level of disruption. Freezing rain and sleet could build up on trees and power lines, raising the risk for outages that may be widespread. Roads are also likely to deteriorate quickly, with slick, icy surfaces making travel difficult or even impossible in some spots.

On top of that, much colder air is expected to settle in after the storm moves through. 

Every one of our 22 counties is under a Winter Storm Watch, starting early Saturday morning and lasting through early Monday afternoon. While the exact mix of wintry weather is still being fine-tuned, one thing is becoming clearer: ice and sleet will be the main players with snow on the lower end.

Friday overnight into Saturday the leading edge of this storm will make its way in giving way to light rain and falling temperatures. By 7am Saturday morning temperatures will be in the upper 20s allowing for a mix of rain and freezing precipitation. As the day goes on, conditions could shift to sleet and freezing rain. Roads may become slick quickly, so it’s a good idea to be cautious if you need to head out.

By Saturday evening into Sunday this is the time to pay the closest attention to. Forecast models show a low-pressure system moving up the coast, sending extra moisture and cold air that will be trapped over the Carolinas. This setup increases the chance for ice to accumulate on trees, power lines, and roads. Some areas could see enough icing to cause power outages and make travel extremely hazardous.

By Sunday temperatures take a sharp dive, with highs barely reaching the upper 20s and lows plunging around 20. Any remaining precipitation will fall as snow or a wintry mix, and because it’s so cold, whatever lands on the ground is likely to stick. Sidewalks, driveways, and streets will be dangerous ALL DAY.

Prepare!
The main concerns this weekend are icy roads and the potential for power interruptions. Ice accumulating on trees and utility lines could leave some neighborhoods without electricity for a while. It’s time to have emergency supplies, flashlights, batteries, and other essentials ready.

Looking Ahead
By Monday, the storm should move out, bringing clearer skies, but the chill sticks around with highs only in the upper 30s. I’m already calling for cancellations to be widespread from schools and businesses. 

What our team is expecting next?

I‘m expecting Winter Storm Warning or a Winter Weather Advisory likely to go into place Thursday afternoon, as specific impacts become clearer.