‘Significant Winter Storm’ Headed To NC: How To Prepare

CHARLOTTE, NC — Wintry weather expected in North Carolina this weekend is expected to turn into a “significant winter storm” that could dump as much as a foot of snow in the Charlotte metro area, according to weather reports.

“Confidence is increasing on the potential for a significant winter storm across the southern Appalachians and parts of the southern mid Atlantic this weekend into early next week,” the US National Weather Service Eastern Region said Wednesday night.

While forecasters say there is still uncertainty about how much snow will fall in the region, 6 inches was possible. “Some sleet and freezing rain could mix in across the Interstate 85 corridor and Charlotte metro area. The wintry precipitation may persist across the area through Monday morning.”

Thursday morning, however, the National Weather Service issued an updated forecast for expected snow totals between Friday and Monday morning, predicting the Interstate-77 corridor from Charlotte to Statesville could see as much as 12 inches.

Snow will likely begin to fall in the Upstate of South Carolina as soon as Saturday morning, and will move northeast to the Charlotte-metro region throughout the day.

In central North Carolina, road crews are already prepping brine to treat roads on Friday and Saturday, according to state transportation officials.

North Carolina Emergency Management offers these tips for preparing for winter weather:

• Drive slow.
• If you lose traction, steer into the skid.
• Keep your gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines
• Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, as well as jumper cables, ice scraper, blankets, and flashlight.
• If you’re driving, let someone know your destination and have a cell phone handy
• Clean snow and ice from your car before you drive

The State Highway Patrol offers these additional tips for travel during winter weather:

• Keep your cell phone charged.
• Monitor fuel levels.
• Use headlamps and windshield wipers.
• Plan for delays and longer than usual travel times.
• Increase your following distance.
• Choose several routes as some roadways may be closed.
• Share your travel plans/routes with others.
• Always be aware of your location in case you become stranded.
• If your vehicle becomes disabled, stay inside the vehicle until assistance arrives.
• Contact 911 or *HP in emergency situations only. Visit DriveNC.govfor roadway conditions.

Here is the National Weather Service’s forecast through Monday:
Today (Dec. 6)
Mostly sunny, with a high near 47. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday (Dec. 7)
Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Light north wind.
Friday Night
Increasing clouds, with a low around 34. Light east northeast wind.
Saturday (Dec. 8)
A slight chance of rain and snow between 2pm and 3pm, then a slight chance of rain after 3pm. Cloudy, with a high near 39. Northeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Saturday Night
A slight chance of rain before 8pm, then snow likely. Cloudy, with a low around 30. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday (Dec. 9)
Snow likely before 10am, then freezing rain between 10am and 3pm, then snow after 3pm. High near 33. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Sunday Night
Snow and sleet. Low around 31. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday (Dec. 10)
Snow and sleet likely before 10am, then rain and sleet likely between 10am and 11am, then rain and snow likely after 11am. Cloudy, with a high near 36. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday Night
A chance of rain and snow before 11pm, then a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

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Images via the National Weather Service