Winter Storm Brings Possible Snow, Ice to Charlotte Area This Week

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A winter storm is set to impact the Carolinas beginning Wednesday morning and continue into Thursday, prompting Gov. Josh Stein to declare a state of emergency. The storm is expected to bring a mix of sleet, snow, and ice, with travel disruptions anticipated across the region.

The timeline indicates that snow will start in the mountains early Wednesday, transitioning into the Piedmont by mid to late morning. Initial forecasts suggest that moisture may evaporate before hitting the ground, potentially leading to lower snow totals across the Charlotte area. Despite these uncertainties, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory effective from 6 a.m. Wednesday until noon Thursday for multiple counties.

According to meteorologists, the foothills and the I-40 corridor could see between 1 to 2 inches of snow and sleet, while higher elevations in the mountains may receive 2 to 4 inches coupled with wind gusts of up to 35 mph. Snow showers in Charlotte may lead to about 1 inch of accumulation, with heavier totals likely reported just north of the city.

Travel conditions are expected to worsen on Wednesday evening as temperatures drop, creating a higher likelihood of slick roads, particularly on bridges and overpasses. “We’ve had a tough winter season in North Carolina, and it is not over yet,” Gov. Stein stated on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for preparedness among state agencies and residents alike.

The storm is projected to shift to the southeast by Thursday morning, with temperatures plunging into the teens and 20s, increasing the risk of flash freezing and black ice on road surfaces. State officials have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid non-essential travel, especially on untreated roads.

Emergency crews are already mobilizing, with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) applying brine to the roads and preparing for potential emergencies. “We have a strong plan in place to handle the response,” said Jen Goodwin, a representative from NCDOT. “Workers will be available for 12-hour shifts during the storm.”

As residents stock up on supplies, community members share mixed sentiments about the winter weather. Jason Briggs, a local contractor, expressed his readiness for the storm, stating, “The map is all over the place, but we’ll see how it goes once we get out there.” Others, like resident Tyler Redden Jr., are hoping for enough snow to build a snowman, despite the warmer temperatures leading up to the storm.

Amid these preparations, Duke Energy has addressed the potential for power outages, cautioning that even minor ice accumulation can result in downed trees and damaged power lines. “When we start to see that accumulation of ice, it only takes about a quarter of an inch before we run into problems,” said Jeff Brooks from Duke Energy.

The storm is expected to affect several counties across North Carolina, with advisories currently issued for Alexander, Avery, Gaston, and Mecklenburg, among others. As the event approaches, forecasts are subject to change based on evolving weather conditions, with the weather team continuing to monitor the situation closely.