North Carolina and South Carolina – A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect for portions of southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina as freezing rain and sleet threaten to create hazardous travel conditions this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, the watch applies to Bladen County in North Carolina and Darlington and Dillon counties in South Carolina, including the communities of Elizabethtown, Bladenboro, Darlington, Hartsville, and Dillon. The watch is in effect from Saturday evening through late Sunday night.
Forecasters say the primary threats will be freezing rain and sleet, with sleet accumulations of up to one-half inch possible. In addition, ice accumulations between one-tenth and one-quarter inch could develop as temperatures fall below freezing. Even small amounts of ice can make roads slick and hazardous, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and untreated surfaces.
Travel impacts are expected to increase Saturday night and persist into Sunday as wintry precipitation continues. While widespread power outages are not currently forecast, icy conditions could still lead to accidents and localized disruptions.
Residents are urged to monitor forecast updates closely in case the watch is upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning. Drivers should consider delaying travel during the period of greatest impact and prepare for rapidly changing road conditions throughout the weekend.
