Freeze Warning Issued in Charlotte as Cold Front Approaches

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for the Charlotte area from 8 p.m. Monday until 9 a.m. Tuesday. A powerful cold front is expected to bring frigid temperatures, strong winds, and possible snow flurries.

Forecasters predict that temperatures will drop about 20 degrees in just a few hours. Wind chills may reach 16 degrees Fahrenheit, with gusts up to 30 mph. Lows are expected to be 28 degrees in Charlotte and 26 degrees in Rock Hill. In the mountainous areas, temperatures could plunge to around 15 degrees, with snowfall of up to a foot possible.

Light snow flurries are forecast for the I-40 corridor, extending east to Greensboro, although accumulation should remain below a tenth of an inch. At Grandfather Mountain, winds reached over 50 mph Monday morning, creating a wind chill that felt like -12 degrees.

Due to the expected severe conditions, the freeze watch was upgraded to a freeze warning, reflecting forecasters’ high confidence in the incoming hard freeze. Experts warn that temperatures dropping this low could damage plants and outdoor plumbing.

The National Weather Service advises residents to take protective measures for plants exposed to the cold, including draining sprinkler systems, removing hoses, and covering vulnerable pipes.

Temperatures will rise to 48 degrees on Veterans Day Tuesday, but gusty winds of 24 mph will persist. Overnight temperatures are anticipated to remain above freezing for the rest of the week.