ASHEBORO NC – The National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Randolph County, set to begin at midnight on Wednesday through 7 AM on Friday. At 3 AM on Wednesday morning meteorologist adjusted the forecast, originally areas north of US HWY-64 in Randolph county were the only forecast for a glaze to 0.10″ of ice. The updated forecast is now calling for 0.25 to 0.50″ of ice accumulation across Randolph county likely resulting in downed trees and power outages and making “travel nearly impossible.”
As this update was posted so early in the morning we are still waiting on updated forecast information and will continue to post updates as new information comes in today. Readers are asked to keep a close eye on the forecast today and prepare accordingly to stay safe.
UPDATE: 2 PM
TIMELINE
Tonight – A chance of rain before midnight, then rain or freezing rain between midnight and 4 AM. Low around 31.
Thursday – Freezing rain throughout the day. High near 31. Northeast wind 8 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New ice accumulation of 0.1 to 0.3 of an inch possible.
Thursday Night – Freezing rain before 8 PM, then rain or freezing rain. Low around 31. North wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between 0.5″ and 0.75″ of an inch possible.
LOCATIONS
This system is expected to impact most of central N.C. primarily north of Hwy 64, with the worst expected north of I-85.
UPDATE THURSDAY 4 PM
Meteorologists may have missed the mark again when it comes to ice in Randolph County, but we are not out of the woods yet. The National Weather Service in Raleigh is still warning that areas north of the Uwharrie National Forest region may still see a trace to up to 2/10 of an inch of storm total ice accumulation. Any ice accumulation today and through the night could result in scattered tree damage, power outages, and localized hazardous travel, especially bridges and elevated roads.
FLOODING
Also a concern, flooding. While rivers in Goldsboro, Rocky Mount, Tarboro, and Enfield have entered flood stage the gauges on the Deep River in Franklinville and Ramseur are both well under their flood stage both sitting at around 5ft (flood stage starts at 20ft).
Localized flash flooding from clogged drainage systems or small streams and ponds is still possible as well.
POWER OUTAGES
As of 4 PM on Thursday Duke Energy and Randolph EMC are reporting no power outages in Randolph County.
TRAVEL
According to NC DOT’s Drive NC website, all roads in Randolph County are reporting clear. This includes Hwy 421 which had to be briefly closed as crews removed a downed tree blocking the north-bound lane near Hwy 49.
CLOSINGS / DELAYS
The NC Zoo will remain closed tomorrow, Friday, Feb 19th. At the time of this update, neither Randolph County Schools nor Asheboro City Schools have indicated if schools will remain closed tomorrow or operate on a delay.
Winter Storm Warning
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Raleigh NC 313 AM EST Wed Feb 17 2021 NCZ038-039-171700- /O.NEW.KRAH.WS.W.0004.210218T0500Z-210219T1200Z/ Davidson-Randolph- Including the cities of Lexington, Thomasville, Asheboro, and Archdale 313 AM EST Wed Feb 17 2021 ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 7 AM EST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Significant icing expected. Total ice accumulations of one quarter to one half inch. * WHERE...Davidson and Randolph Counties. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 7 AM EST Friday. * IMPACTS...Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact morning and evening commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Prepare for possible power outages. The latest road conditions for North Carolina can be obtained by visiting DriveNC.gov.