A winter storm is expected to impact the area starting late Wednesday morning, with precipitation beginning around 8 or 9 AM and continuing throughout the day. Both Wednesday and Thursday are designated as WRAL Weather Alert Days due to the storm’s potential effects. Northern regions, particularly north of Interstate 40, may see significant snow accumulation, with amounts possibly exceeding 2 inches, while southern areas of the Triangle can expect a mix of rain and snow.
Snowfall predictions indicate varied accumulation: counties like Roxboro may receive 4-6 inches of snow, Durham and Chapel Hill 2-4 inches, and areas in southern Raleigh likely less than 1 inch. Additionally, some regions could experience up to 0.3 inches of ice, raising the threat of power outages, especially in the eastern Triangle.
The timing of the storm is crucial, with dry air initially preventing snow accumulation until around 9 or 10 AM. Travel disruptions are anticipated due to icy conditions and snow, with any ice accumulation over 0.25 inches increasing the risk of power outages due to the heavy weight on power lines.
School schedules and appointments may be impacted, and traveling on Tuesday evening is suggested as the safest option before conditions worsen. Predictions remain sensitive to variations in temperature and storm track, which can significantly alter expected outcomes.
Source link
