Raleigh, North Carolina – A high-impact winter storm is expected to create dangerous conditions across central North Carolina beginning Saturday night, with ice posing a major threat to power infrastructure and travel through Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 7 p.m. Saturday until 1 p.m. Monday for much of the Piedmont and northern Coastal Plain. Areas including Wake, Durham, Johnston, Franklin, Nash, Edgecombe, Wilson, Harnett, Lee, Moore, Richmond, Scotland, and surrounding counties are expected to see heavy mixed precipitation dominated by sleet and freezing rain. Ice accumulations between three-tenths and three-quarters of an inch are possible, with sleet and snow totals up to two inches.
Statewide impacts are expected to be severe where ice accumulates on power lines and tree limbs. Utility crews are preparing for the potential of widespread and long-lasting power outages, especially across the Triangle, Sandhills, and eastern Piedmont. Roads are expected to become treacherous, particularly bridges and overpasses along Interstates 40, 85, and 95, as well as major secondary roads.
In the Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, Clayton, Rocky Mount, Sanford, and Southern Pines areas, residents are urged to delay all non-essential travel and prepare for possible extended power disruptions. Charging devices, securing alternate heat sources, and keeping food and water on hand are strongly advised.
The Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through early Monday afternoon, and hazardous conditions could significantly impact the Monday morning commute. Additional advisories may be issued as the storm evolves. Residents should continue monitoring local alerts and check road conditions by calling 511 before traveling.
