NASTY WEATHER TODAY, WINTER STORM AND FLOODING TO COME

Another cold rain for many is on way, and a Winter Storm is beginning for some. As I am writing this post Freezing Rain is already falling in the High Country Boone areas and will expand. WHAT: Heavy rain and freezing rain will affect NC starting now. - Rain moves in. Freezing rain / icy mix possible through morning western Foothills mountains. We have cold air moving in from the north. We have warm air / air moisture moving in from the south. The cold air will settle at the ground, and the warm air will rise above. This is a classic setup for an ice event in the Piedmont. However, it's November and not mid-winter, which makes this event be pushed west into the mountains foothills. FOOTHILLS/NW PIEDMONT/ MOUNTAINS: - Possible to see around 1/4 inch of ice, mainly on the trees and elevated surfaces - Power outages are a real possibility if that happens as ice could weigh down trees - Most roads will be too warm for ice to stick, but watch bridges/overpasses for slick spots - Watch for flooding issues - Could see snow Thursday evening as the moisture exits up to a dusting On thing to note, due to the time of a year, this is a perfect set up of a storm for mid winter. However, due to it being November ground temperatures are still warm and above freezing so accumulation is very tricky. If you are in Ashe, Avery, Alleghany, Alexander, Yancey, Mitchell, Buncombe, Transylvania, Henderson, Caldwell, Burke, McDowell, Rutherford, Polk, Surry, Watauga, and Wilkes County these are the counties to best see Freezing Rain and accumulation, the best chance of significant icing is NW NC.

Above is the forecast map, currently forecasting up to a haft of an inch of freezing rain for areas north and west of Hickory, Yadkin Valley, Boone, Mount Airy, and the High Country. Current forecast elsewhere is up to quarter of an inch of ice for areas in Light pink.

Flash Flooding, Another storm system will bring heavy rain to the state tonight and Thursday. The ground is saturated, creeks and streams are running high, and some rivers are in flood. The expected 1.5- 2.5 inches of rain will bring more flooding especially due to the extremely wet year we have had and the soaking rain on Monday. Another 2-3'" of rain will to make matters worse so expecting more renewed minor river flooding and localized flooding on roadways on Thursday.

WHEN: Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Generally 11pm-11am. WHERE: Mountains and Foothills mostly.

Any major ice will occur north of I40! WHAT: Freezing rain and sleet, potential for ice accumulation IMPACTS: Any icing could weigh down trees, especially those with leaves on them. Downed branches / trees / power lines can be expected if enough ice accumulates. Some slick spots are possible on bridges and overpasses, but most roadways should be fine given our ground temperatures.Although ground and road temperatures are relatively warm, the amount and rate of the precipitation will help to cool the ground, and I think we will start seeing accumulations even on main highways, but bridges, overpasses, and secondary roads will be the worst or any exposed above ground objects walkway ect..