The first Winter Storm of 2019 and the second winter storm of the season, is now less than 24 hours away from starting. By no means will this storm be like the last regarding snowfall, however, there is a high concern for significant ice accrual this time.
WHAT: The real concern is ice accumulation, some will see snow and others will see mostly ice it all depends on where you are. Most if not all the impacts from this winter storm will be from Durham and points west, Raleigh and points east will see a cold rain with some mixing in and around Raleigh. Significant accumulation of freezing rain is a real concern, just a think coating of ice can result in a travel nightmare. Heavier amounts .25+ can damage trees and result in power outages. An ice glaze is likely in areas in the pink on the map below, Charlotte, Durham, Roxboro, Boone, Murphy ect. This should not cause power outages but travel could be trick Sunday morning before changing to rain.
ICE: The real concern of where ice will fall is in the purple, 1/4, 1/2 (.25-.50") of ice accrual. Areas impacted are all of Piedmont, Triad (Greensboro, Winston Salem) Hickory, and Asheville areas. This is known as a Disruptive ice storm with amounts at or greater of .25" of ice, trees and power lines start to sag and or break. Power outages are definitely a concern, you should be prepared for power outages.
IMPACTS: Power outages are likely, just exactly where depends where the most ice builds up. Hazardous travel is expected through all areas.
MAPS: Below is our second call snowfall map, sorry snow lovers this time around snowfall is going to be very light don't worry we have plenty of winter left.
Gray: (Trace-.50") Here light snow will fall Saturday overnight before changing over to sleet and ice
Light Blue: (1-2") Here expect some snow to fall overnight on Saturday most likely 1-2" of snow, before changing over to sleet and freezing rain. Areas are the Foothills, Yadkin Valley, and into Asheville
Blue: (2-3") The lower elevations mountains below 2,500ft into the foothills, a light to moderate snowfall mixed with sleet is expected. Freezing rain will also mix in at some point on Sunday.
Purple (3-4") The real winners for this snowstorm, a nice snowfall will fall in areas above 3,000ft including the High Country (Boone, Blowing Rock, Elk, Todd areas) some sleet and freezing rain could mix in.
Pink (4+) A very small part of the state above 5,000ft could see upwards of 4-6", that is the ski resorts and high Smokies and Appalachians.
TIMING:
Saturday through PM: Will be mostly dry with clouds
SAT EVENING: Snow/ sleet quickly changing over to freezing rain
SAT OVERNIGHT: Travel problems likely through the Triad, Foothills, and Mountains
SUN EARLY AM: Freezing rain counties rough travel
SUN AM: Freezing rain ends
SUN: Roads are dangerous
TRENDS: Starting now through the start of the storm trends will be watched regarding ice and snow, subtle changes in the track lead to changes here.
WHAT TO DO NOW: If you are from the Triad to the mountains start preparing for travel impacts and power outages.
Stay tuned for more updates, if you have any questions message the Facebook page
Commenti