Another system will start moving into NC Wednesday night into Thursday, it looks like this will be our first Winter Storm of the 2018-2019 Winter Season well at least for some.
WHAT: An icy mix, freezing rain and maybe some sleet is possible. Starting early Thursday morning the current areas that are going to see Freezing Rain will be: Northern Mountains, Western Piedmont (Winston Salem West) Foothills, and Yadkin Valley. Shallow, cold air will be trapped at the surface, with warmer air aloft. This sets the stage for a nasty ice storm across these areas through much of the morning on Thursday. It is possible that it will be cold enough for sleet to being in all areas first before quickly changing over to Freezing Rain.
Below 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 quarter of an inch of ice for areas in Light pink.
WHEN: Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Generally 11pm-11am. WHERE: Mountains and Foothills mostly, but still watching in the Triad for some ice still too soon to nail that down. 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..
More updates will be posted later this afternoon and evening, now is a good time to start paying attention!