Raleigh, North Carolina – A major winter storm is expected to cripple travel across much of central and eastern North Carolina beginning late Friday, with heavy snow making roads impassable in some areas through Sunday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, Winter Storm Warnings are now in effect for the Piedmont, Sandhills, Coastal Plain, and surrounding regions. Snow is expected to begin late Friday afternoon in the Piedmont and western Sandhills, spreading east Friday night. Widespread snowfall totals of 4 to 7 inches are expected from Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem, with localized higher amounts possible.
Farther east, including Fayetteville, Goldsboro, Rocky Mount, Wilson, Clinton, and Laurinburg, snowfall totals could reach 5 to 8 inches. Winds gusting up to 35 mph may cause blowing snow, further reducing visibility and worsening travel conditions Saturday into early Sunday.
Bridges and overpasses are expected to become slick quickly, and untreated roads could turn hazardous or impassable, especially overnight Friday and throughout Saturday. The storm is likely to impact both the Friday evening and Saturday travel periods, with conditions slow to improve Sunday morning.
Residents are urged to complete travel and preparations before snowfall begins, avoid unnecessary driving, and keep emergency supplies on hand. Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect through Sunday, and additional alerts may follow as conditions evolve.
