… WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THURSDAY TO 4 AM EST SATURDAY…
WHAT…Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of up to two inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze.
WHERE…Portions of central North Carolina.
WHEN…From 4 PM this afternoon to 4 AM EST Saturday.
IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.
National Weather Service Office – Raleigh
UPDATE 1/20/22 10:30 A.M. | The NWS has revised its forecast after overnight models showed moisture trending much farther south. Scattered light snow showers are possible north of Hwy 64 this evening and tonight, with sleet and freezing rain south of Hwy 64. A coating to two inches of snow or sleet is possible, along with a glaze of ice. All of central NC may see some black ice tonight due to rain-wet roads from earlier in the day freezing tonight when temps drop below freezing area-wide.The NWS warns there is still a fair amount of uncertainty in this forecast and models may return back 2-5 inches.
UPDATE 1/20/22 08:00 P.M. | In an evening briefing the NWS in Raleigh is stressing there is still uncertainty in tomorrow’s forecast. “Forecast confidence is very LOW in the “zone of uncertainty”. Snow amounts could go either way” said the NWS.
That zone of uncertainty covers a the south east half of Randolph County. Luckily though it does appear that the icing threat will be low for us. A very light glaze of freezing rain is possible tonight through 7 AM Friday south and east of Raleigh. The area in Central NC with the best chance to see minor ice accumulation will be Sampson County, but even there, ice accumulation will be less than 1/10 inch.
Tonight forecasters are calling for a light coating of snow to perhaps up to an inch of snow accumulation is possible north of the Hwy 64 corridor. South of Hwy 64, there could be a light coating of sleet or perhaps even freezing rain.
With the threat of winter weather and hazardous travel conditions starting tonight and still being around in the morning Asheboro City Schools and Randolph County Schools have both closed tomorrow.
UPDATE 1/21/22 10:30 A.M. | Randolph County woke up to a evidence of overnight snow with a just a trace to a dusting on some surfaces. With today’s highs staying under freezing black ice on roadways may create hazardous traveling conditions on some roads throughout the day.
A second and more significant round of snow is expected to develop this afternoon and especially tonight. As the afternoon wears on, freezing rain and some snow will begin to develop across the Coastal Plain and spread northwest. Randolph County remains in the zone of uncertainty where snow amounts may range from nothing at all, to several inches, depending on the storm track and intensity according to the NWS.
The threat of ice has all but disappeared with the NWS shifting icing amounts south and east clearing the triad all together. Currently the forecast for tonight calls for snow, mainly before 1am. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 18 and wind chill values as low as 9. North wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph
TIMELINE
FRIDAY
A chance of snow. Cloudy, with a high near 28. Wind chill values as low as 13. Northeast wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
FRIDAY NIGHT
A chance of snow, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. Wind chill values as low as 7.
SATURDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT
Light snow showers NE through late Saturday morning, then dry across all areas.
SUNDAY
Sunny, with a high near 34
IMPACTS
Forecasters are warning of the same risks, snow and ice plus strong winds leading to power outages along with hazardous travel conditions beginning Thursday night as temperatures drop below freezing leading to wet roads becoming ice covered.
“We know there’s going to be a very impactful, if not major, winter storm to affect much of central North Carolina Thursday night through Friday night.” said the NWS in a weather briefing this morning. “Residents of central North Carolina should be prepared to stay off the roads, expect to remain home from Thursday night through at least Saturday. Expect power outages during that time. Finally, take the opportunity now to stock up on supplies that you would need for at least a 72 hour period of time at home or work.”