A growing risk of some Winter Weather across parts of North Carolina Friday.

❄️ Winter Weather Update: Hey everyone, I know there are a lot of questions about the potential Winter Weather that is becoming likely for parts of the state on Friday. So let's address the elephant in the room. Based on today's latest data, I am leaning towards scenario A I discussed last night. If you want a nice snowstorm with several inches of snow, this is not your storm, so don't shoot the messenger. This setup is not a raid on the grocery store; regardless of what happens, you will not be stuck in your house for days. There remains considerable uncertainty, but data is starting to come together.

-Thursday will be quiet with highs in the 40s and 50s across most of the state.

📌THE SETUP FRIDAY: High pressure will be to the north, and a low-pressure system from the Gulf will move north and east across the south into North Carolina, bringing moisture. This now looks to be arriving somewhat faster than previously thought, thus I am leaning towards scenario A. Models still vary in the exact timing of the onset of moisture and in how much moisture the system will have. There remains considerable uncertainty. As you guys all know with me, I like to be transparent and give everyone the data to help them plan.

MY CURRENT FORECAST: The low-pressure system will move in after midnight Thursday night/Friday AM with moisture moving in then. Based on the current forecast, all rain is expected mainly across the SW mountains as warmer air moves in from the south.

(PINK AREA WINTRY MIX) On image 1, we have the pink area, which extends mainly along and north of the I-85 Corridor, so parts of the foothills, to Greensboro, up to the North Carolina/VA line. This will be a battleground between snow/sleet/ and even some freezing rain. Overall, I am expecting light accumulations of snow and ice at this time. However, we've been called so this is enough for travel problems Friday morning into the afternoon and some areas, especially NW towards the Northern Mountains, lingering into Friday night. I am not posting exact amounts yet because model data is all over the place, but if you're located in the pink or blue area, you can expect some light accumulating snow and ice. Prepare for slippery travel on Friday in these area.

(BLUE AREA MOSTLY SNOW) Mostly, some light snow of a couple of inches will be possible in the North Carolina high country, with some sleet mixing in at the end.

(HATTCHED AREA) Charlotte to Raleigh, right now looks like a brief mix is possible before just a cold rain, but if the low shifts a little further south then some snow and ice could work into that area. Right now, just watching but as of now don't really expect any problems in this area. While we're still 48 hours out and the low hasn’t really developed some changes are possible.

In Eastern North Carolina, just a cold rain is expected on Friday, and some moderate rainfall is possible at times. Please watch for localized flooding in poor-drainage areas.

😎The Bottom Line: Quiet weather for the next 24 hours, watching Friday for potential winter weather impacts across parts of the state. The best chance as of now is along and west of the I-85 corridor, still expecting some changes, but as of now expect for impacts in these areas. If you're a big snow lover, this is not your storm at all. Amounts are limited, regardless, and messy. Keep checking back over the next 24-36 hours, but if you have travel plans, especially morning/early afternoon Friday across parts of Central/Foothills and Western NC, be aware you might need to change them. If you have outdoor plans, that rain will impact them anywhere. I would go ahead and move those to Friday. I'll keep you updated

-Ethan