Raleigh, North Carolina — A Winter Weather Advisory is now in effect for much of central North Carolina as a developing cold weather system brings the threat of snow and freezing rain beginning this evening and lasting into Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service in Raleigh.
The advisory will be active from 6 PM tonight through 10 AM Thursday, covering a wide area including Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Fayetteville, Wilson, Rocky Mount, Goldsboro, and surrounding communities. Rain falling during the day will transition to snow and/or freezing rain from north to south tonight as temperatures drop below freezing.
Snow accumulations are expected to be generally one inch or less, with the highest totals near the Virginia border. Ice accumulation from freezing rain is forecast to remain below one-tenth of an inch, with the greatest risk along and east of the Interstate 95 corridor. While amounts are light, even minimal ice can create dangerous conditions.
The primary impact will be hazardous travel conditions Thursday morning, especially during the morning commute. Roads may become slick, particularly where snowpack remains from the recent winter storm. Bridges, overpasses, sidewalks, stairs, and driveways are most likely to ice over first as temperatures fall into the 20s overnight.
Motorists traveling along Interstate 40, I-95, I-85, US-1, and US-64 should plan for reduced speeds and increased stopping distances. Officials urge drivers to slow down, allow extra travel time, and use caution, especially in untreated areas.
Precipitation is expected to end by mid-day Thursday, with conditions gradually improving afterward. Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts and road conditions through weather.gov/rah and NC 511 for the latest updates.
