We’re tracking the Carolinas’ first major winter storm in years this weekend, meteorologist Joe Puma said Wednesday. Over the past 24 hours, we have seen some changes to the forecast.
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This system may bring more of an ice threat than a snow threat.
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Timing for the system now begins early Saturday afternoon.
Once sleet begins Saturday afternoon, severe sleet will continue Saturday night and Sunday morning, including from northern Charlotte to Monroe and Wauxhall.
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As of Wednesday afternoon, the trend is that as this system exits, we will see an influx of cold air, changing the precipitation from sleet to freezing rain, which will bring down power lines. This will be an all-area ice event from Hickory to Chester.
Unfortunately, this is not a snowman-building type of winter storm. Even people in areas like Boone, Banner Elk or Blowing Rock will have to deal with a mix of freezing rain and snow.
Areas near Interstate 85 such as Concord, Kannapolis, Charlotte and Gastonia will face the threat of sleet/ice throughout the event.
It’s too early to collect, but the early signs look important. As sleet continues to accumulate, driving on highways such as Interstate 40 near Morganton will become extremely difficult.
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In areas like Rock Mountain, South Carolina, roads can even be icy and slushy. Puma says if you don’t have to travel, please stay off the roads on Saturday night and especially on Sunday. Travel can be extremely difficult and dangerous at times.
If you’re catching a West Charlotte flight at CLT, be prepared for significant delays on Saturday and Sunday. The system affects not just us, but several major aviation hubs including Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Houston, Atlanta and New York City.
This will have a knock-on effect across the air network this weekend.
Video: Wednesday Forecast
