Raleigh, North Carolina – A potentially high-impact winter storm could bring snow, sleet, and freezing rain across much of central North Carolina beginning Saturday afternoon, with dangerous travel conditions and power outages possible through Monday afternoon. Impacts may be significant as wintry precipitation spreads across heavily traveled corridors and urban areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect for a broad section of the Piedmont and portions of the central and northern Coastal Plain. Confidence is increasing that widespread mixed precipitation will develop, leading to moderate to major impacts on transportation and infrastructure.
The watch includes the Triangle, Triad, and surrounding communities such as Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Burlington, Rocky Mount, Wilson, Sanford, Asheboro, and Southern Pines. Major roadways including I-40, I-85, I-95, U.S. 1, and U.S. 64 could become slick, with bridges and overpasses freezing first.
Forecasters warn that significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may result in widespread and long-lasting power outages, especially if freezing rain persists for several hours. Residents are urged to complete storm preparations early, avoid unnecessary travel, and have supplies ready in case utilities are disrupted.
The Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon. Additional advisories or warnings are likely as the storm system becomes more defined and confidence in impacts continues to grow.
