Weekend Winter Storm: Ice and sleet threat increasing

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA (WCCB) — A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday morning through Monday afternoon across portions of the piedmont, foothills and mountains.

A major winter storm that is impacting nearly 20 states across the deep south to the east coast will be crippling for millions.

FIRST CALL ON TOTALS:

• NC Piedmont:
  • Ice: 0.50+” (0.75” not off the table)
  • Sleet: 1-2”
• Foothills:
  • Ice: 0.25-0.50”
  • Snow & Sleet: 2-4”
• Mountains:
  • Ice: < 0.25”
  • Snow & Sleet: 3-6”

 IMPACTS:

• Widespread hazardous road conditions
• Power outages likely

TIMING:

• Late afternoon – early evening Saturday through Sunday.

QUESTION MARKS:

• How much will fall as freezing rain and how much will fall as sleet? This depends on the temperatures well above our heads.
• It is POSSIBLE dry air cuts down on totals on Sunday. This is a best case scenario right now and not a slam dunk, but is something we are watching.

COLD TEMPERATURES:

• This is a big problem if we have prolonged power outages and snow or ice on the ground. It could take days and days to melt. I am still forecasting single digit low temperatures early next week

Better to prepare now:

• Have enough food, water and medicine to last several days
• Get flashlights and batteries
• Put gas in your car – gas stations may lose power
• Have an extra heat source – get a generator if you’re able. Get firewood. Have plenty of blankets.
• Check your carbon monoxide and snow detectors (snow and/or ice accumulation can block vents so you want to make sure these are working)