Raleigh, North Carolina – A developing winter storm system could bring a low-end chance for winter weather to parts of North Carolina from Wednesday, Jan. 14, through Friday, Jan. 17, with the greatest potential impacts focused across northern and central portions of the state.
According to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, North Carolina currently remains on the southern edge of a larger winter storm threat impacting the Ohio Valley and interior Northeast. While overall probabilities remain low, forecasters indicate that northern and central North Carolina could see some winter weather impacts if colder air presses farther south than currently expected.
The areas most likely to see impacts include the northern Piedmont, the Triad, and sections of the I-77 corridor near the Virginia border, as well as parts of the I-40 corridor from Winston-Salem through Raleigh. Any snow or wintry precipitation would most likely occur during overnight or early morning hours, when temperatures are coolest. Even light accumulations could lead to slick roads, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and untreated secondary routes.
Farther south and east, including Charlotte, Fayetteville, and the Coastal Plain, precipitation is more likely to fall as rain, limiting winter impacts. However, forecasters caution that small shifts in storm track or timing could briefly allow snow to mix in farther south, especially late in the event.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updates closely, particularly those planning travel into Virginia or the mountains later this week. NCDOT advises checking road conditions before traveling if colder weather develops.
Forecast confidence remains modest, and no widespread winter weather advisories are currently expected. However, officials stress that conditions could change quickly as the storm system evolves, with updated guidance expected over the next couple of days.
