Winter Weather likely early Wednesday morning through Wednesday afternoon for part of the state. The chances of seeing Freezing Rain continue to increase for areas across the Piedmont west; some impacts possible, but this will not be a crippling ice storm. Sorry, snow lovers, this storm is not for you. Freezing Rain could lead to some impacts, especially on elevated surfaces Wednesday morning. Here's a look at the first call map and some details about it. We're still more than 36 hours out, so amounts could most definitely change.
WHAT: A Cold Front will pass through the state Tuesday, ushering in colder air; following it, a developing low-pressure system will start off the coast and one inland over western NC. This will lead to precipitation that will move into NC Tuesday night through Wednesday. Unfortunately, this is not a set up for snow lovers. A warm nose will be present just above the ground, so it will allow for the precipitation to fall as rain or sleet across the pink areas on the map. Due to Surface Temperatures falling to and below Freezing across the pink area on the map, Freezing rain will be possible Tuesday night and parts of Wednesday. This storm set up is called a "Miller B" for a big snow in NC and not an icy mess; you need a "Miller A" that's not happening this time around.
HOW MUCH AND IMPACTS:
Freezing Rain is self-limiting; temperatures are not in favor for significant ice accrual. The main areas that will see Freezing rain will be from west of Durham to the mountains. I've taken the extreme southwestern mountains out to just rain.
All Rain from Durham east, no impacts expected!
Glaze to up to .10" of Ice accrual; this will be in all areas of the regular color pink on image 1. Impacts a few areas of ice on elevated surfaces, trees, power-lines, and bridges/overpasses. I can't rule out a few isolated power outages.
Up to .15" of Ice accrual will be areas from Marion and Hickory, North Carolina. Impacts areas of ice on elevated surfaces, trees, power-lines, and bridges/overpasses. I can't rule out a few isolated power outages.
Up to .25" of Ice accrual will be across the Yadkin Valley to the VA line due to cold air staying longer. Impacts A slightly more impactful event, ice on elevated surfaces, trees, power-lines, bridges/overpasses. I can't rule out ice on roads too, power outages possible.
TIMING: Starting around 2AM Wednesday end by early afternoon Wednesday possibly turning to all rain for the entire state.
The Bottom Line for areas west of Durham prepare for some impacts Wednesday morning, roads should stay wet, but bridges and overpasses could have some slick spots. Trees and power-lines with some ice on them. Ice is heavy, so some power outages possible, areas east in the green just a cold rain. This will all be history by Wednesday afternoon. I'll keep you posted.