NC Weather: Arctic Cold Wave Could Bring Power Outages

CHARLOTTE, NC — A mass of Arctic air will freeze the Charlotte region through the weekend, with forecasters warning of power outages and health hazards. Residents are urged to have backup power supplies, layers of warm clothing and vehicles prepped for the extended cold temperatures. Some relief is on the horizon, they say, but first there will be frozen rain.

Daytime high temperatures will struggle to get above the freezing mark through Saturday, especially across the mountains, where highs in the 20s will be common, the National Weather Service says. That's harsh for the region, where normal mid-January average daily temperatures are 41 degrees in Charlotte.

And before we thaw out, the National Weather Service is warning there’s a chance of ice on roads Monday morning.

“We are keeping an eye on the potential for a little bit of freezing rain,” said WBTV Meteorologist Al Conklin. “Cold air will be locked in so if the rain gets in early enough it could start as light ice.”

Here's what to do to face the cold blast:

Power supply: The cold weather will likely result in high demand for electricity across the region. Power outages may result from the heavy electrical load. Those who require electricity for heating or medical equipment should consider having backup heat or electrical sources available.

Prepare For Extreme Cold

• If you go outside, wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf. Parents should make sure children are prepared for the prolonged cold, especially if they will be outside.
• Drivers should keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Check your antifreeze and windshield washer fluid levels. Be sure to carry a fully charged cell phone.
• Let indoor faucets drip to permit water to trickle through pipes and keep them from freezing. Use caution with space heaters in order to avoid fire or injury. If you use an emergency generator, they must be placed outdoors in well-ventilated areas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Also, remember to check in on family, friends, and elderly neighbors who might be susceptible to the cold. Make sure pets and livestock have a source of water that will not freeze and a warm place to take shelter from the wind and cold.
• Do not walk on frozen ponds, lakes, or streams because the ice will not be thick enough to support the weight - even of a child.

Here is your forecast, according to the NWS:

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 32. West wind around 8 mph.

Tonight: Clear, with a low around 14. North wind 3 to 6 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 33. North wind 3 to 6 mph.

Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 14. Northeast wind 3 to 5 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 35. Calm wind becoming east southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Monday: A chance of freezing rain before 11am, then a chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 40. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of rain before 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 47.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.

Photo by Patch Editor Kara Seymour