If you’re in North Carolina, get ready for some serious winter weather. A major winter storm is moving in, bringing snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures from Wednesday through Thursday. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning, and for good reason—up to 6 inches of snow is expected, with some areas also seeing ice accumulation that could cause power outages and treacherous roads.
This storm isn’t just about the snow—freezing rain and sleet could turn roads into ice rinks overnight. If you don’t have to go out, staying home is the safest option.
What’s Happening Right Now?
The storm hasn’t fully arrived yet, but cold air is already pushing in, setting the stage for a messy and dangerous next 48 hours.
Here’s what it looks like across the state:
- Raleigh, NC – 42°F (6°C), cloudy, colder air moving in fast
- Asheville, NC – 29°F (-2°C), clear now, but snow expected soon
- Charlotte, NC – 45°F (7°C), mild for now, but big changes coming
- Greensboro, NC – 40°F (5°C), overcast, feeling colder with the wind
- Wilmington, NC – 47°F (9°C), still dry, but rain and ice are on the way
Snow and ice will begin later today, and by tonight, roads could become dangerously slick.
When Will the Snow & Ice Arrive?
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Wednesday Afternoon – Evening:
- Western and central parts of North Carolina will see the first snowflakes.
- By the evening commute, roads could start to get slippery, especially in the mountains and foothills.
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Wednesday Night – Early Thursday:
- This is when things get messy. Expect steady snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
- Temperatures will drop below freezing, turning wet roads into sheets of ice.
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Thursday Morning – Afternoon:
- Snow and ice will begin to taper off, but don’t expect roads to improve right away.
- Temperatures will stay below freezing in many areas, meaning ice won’t melt quickly.
How Much Snow & Ice Are We Getting?
- Western NC (Asheville, Boone, Hickory): 4 to 6 inches of snow, some ice possible at lower elevations.
- Central NC (Raleigh, Greensboro, Charlotte): 2 to 4 inches of snow, but a mix of sleet and ice could create dangerous conditions.
- Eastern NC (Wilmington, Fayetteville, Jacksonville): Less snow, but freezing rain and sleet could make travel extremely dangerous.
- Higher Elevations (Blue Ridge Mountains): Up to 8 inches of snow, plus wind-driven drifts making travel nearly impossible.
Even if your area doesn’t get a ton of snow, the ice is the real danger—just a thin layer can make roads incredibly slick.
What Are the Biggest Issues?
Slick, Icy Roads – Snow and freezing rain will stick immediately, and temperatures will be too cold for melting, making travel extremely dangerous overnight into Thursday morning.
Power Outages Possible – Heavy, wet snow and ice could weigh down trees and power lines, leading to scattered outages across the state.
Bitter Cold & Wind Chills – Gusty winds will make it feel even colder. Some areas will feel like single digits, meaning frostbite can happen in under 30 minutes.
Blowing Snow & Whiteout Conditions – In open areas and higher elevations, winds up to 25 mph could blow snow across roads, making visibility terrible for drivers.
Pets & Livestock at Risk – If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them. Bring pets inside and make sure livestock have warm shelter and unfrozen water.
Weather Alerts & Warnings
Winter Storm Warning – From Wednesday through Thursday, expect heavy snow, ice, and dangerous travel conditions across much of North Carolina.
Ice Storm Warning (Possible in Some Areas) – Freezing rain could coat power lines and trees, increasing the risk of power outages.
Wind Chill Advisory – With strong winds, it will feel much colder than the actual temperature, increasing the risk of frostbite.
Travel Advisory – Snow-covered roads and freezing rain could make travel nearly impossible overnight into Thursday morning.
How to Stay Safe in This Storm
Avoid Driving If You Can – If you don’t have to be out, stay home. If you must travel, go slow, allow extra time, and carry an emergency kit (blanket, food, phone charger, etc.).
Dress Warm & Cover Exposed Skin – If you must go outside, wear gloves, a hat, a scarf, and thick socks. Limit time outdoors to prevent frostbite.
Check on Elderly Neighbors & Family Members – Make sure they have heat, food, and everything they need before the storm gets bad.
Prepare for Power Outages – Charge your phone now, stock up on flashlights, extra batteries, and blankets. DO NOT use generators or grills indoors—they can be deadly.
Keep Pets Inside – If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them. Make sure outdoor animals have warm shelter and access to unfrozen water.
