Raleigh, North Carolina – A potentially crippling ice storm is set to impact much of central North Carolina beginning Saturday afternoon and evening, with significant ice accumulation expected to create treacherous travel conditions and the risk of long-lasting power outages through Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from Saturday afternoon or evening through early Monday afternoon across the Piedmont, Sandhills, and Triangle region. Freezing rain and sleet will be the dominant precipitation types, with ice accumulations ranging from one-quarter to one-half inch. Some areas of the Piedmont could see ice totals approaching three-quarters of an inch, which is enough to cause extensive tree damage and downed power lines.
Communities including Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville-area suburbs, Sanford, Southern Pines, and Rocky Mount are expected to see rapidly worsening conditions after precipitation begins. Snow and sleet accumulations will generally stay under three inches, but even small amounts will add to slick roads once ice forms.
Major roadways such as I-40, I-85, I-95, U.S. 1, and U.S. 64 could become extremely hazardous, particularly overnight and into Sunday. Officials strongly urge residents to delay all non-essential travel and prepare for possible extended power outages by charging devices and securing alternative heat sources safely.
Wintry precipitation is expected to continue into Sunday night, with lingering impacts likely affecting the Monday morning commute. Warnings remain in effect through Monday afternoon, and additional updates are expected as conditions evolve.
