Abdelrahman
A winter storm is set to impact our region later on Wednesday morning, bringing substantial consequences for local residents.
Expect precipitation to commence after 8 or 9 a.m. on Wednesday and continue intermittently throughout the day.
Both Wednesday and Thursday are designated as WRAL Weather Alert Days due to potential travel disruptions. Snow accumulation is anticipated to be significant north of Interstate 40, with totals in some areas exceeding 2 inches, while southern regions near the Triangle may experience a mix of rain and snow.
Read on to discover our latest updates, potential scenarios, and the timing for when more information will be available.
Check Your Location on the Map
Identifying your location on the map is crucial in understanding questions like “How much snow will I receive?” or “When should I expect it to start?”
Snow and Ice Forecast Update
Monday afternoon brought our first glimpse at potential snow and ice totals, with forecasts indicating up to 6 inches of snow in northern regions.
Current projections for snow accumulation, which are subject to change, include:
- Roxboro and northern counties: 4-6 inches of snow
- Durham, Chapel Hill, and Rocky Mount: 2-4 inches of snow
- Raleigh: 1-2 inches of a snow and sleet mix
- South of Raleigh (including Smithfield, Goldsboro, and Fayetteville): less than 1 inch of snow and sleet
Additionally, here’s what we anticipate for freezing rain and ice accumulation:
- Regions east of the Triangle, including Wilson, Smithfield, and Goldsboro, could face significant ice accumulation, potentially reaching 0.3 inches, which may lead to power outages.
- The Triangle and surrounding areas to the north, west, and south are expected to see less than 0.2 inches of ice.
When Will Conditions Begin, and What Are the Impacts?
It’s unlikely that you’ll wake up to snow or ice before 6 or 7 a.m. on Wednesday, as there is dry air to consider initially. We expect conditions to start developing after 9 or 10 a.m.
The storm is expected to linger for about 9 to 12 hours.
The key concern is the effect on travel—both on the roads and air travel. Power outages could occur if ice accumulation reaches 0.25 inches or more.
Who Will Experience What?
In general, more snow is forecasted for areas north of I-40, with significant amounts possible in the northeastern part of our viewing area.
Durham is also likely to see predominantly snowy conditions, while Raleigh may experience a precipitation mix. A temperature difference of just one degree at an altitude of 3,000 feet can influence whether precipitation falls as snow, sleet, or freezing rain, making this a very nuanced forecast. A slight change of 25 to 50 miles in the storm’s path can drastically alter the predicted conditions.
Concerned About Power Outages?
The regions marked in dark pink on the map are under watch for potential power outages. Ice accumulation approaching 0.25 inches could add significant weight to power lines, potentially causing outages.
How Will This Affect Schools and Appointments?
While we don’t make those decisions, it’s likely that there will be adjustments to school schedules or appointments on Wednesday and Thursday.
Traveling on Wednesday? What to Expect
Along the coast, you can anticipate more rain, whereas inland areas may also see some freezing rain. The western part of the state will experience snow and sleet. If you have to travel, your best option for safety and timeliness is to do so on Tuesday evening.
