Weekend winter storm threat increasing

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA (WCCB) — Probabilities are increasing that a major winter storm will impact areas from Texas to the Carolinas.Arctic air will surge south at the same time moisture moves in from the Pacific and the Gulf. The clash of cold air and moisture will result in a significant winter storm. Who sees what precipitation type is still at question.
Timing:

• Saturday into Sunday — we will be able to get more specific on this in a couple of days.

Amounts:

• Too early to know, but cold air and moisture will be there. I will tell you, over a foot of snow cannot be ruled out in parts of NC and over 1/4” of ice cannot be ruled out.

Impacts:

• Horrible road conditions for days
• Power outages that could linger

Cold Temperatures:

• Temperatures look to stay very cold early next week. 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.

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. Battery powered heaters. 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)