Winter storm warnings are now in effect across all of North Carolina and most of South Carolina, with Charlotte and surrounding areas expecting 4-6 inches of snow. The National Weather Service expanded warnings to every county in the state early Friday morning, with snow expected across the Carolinas. Snow is expected to begin falling late Friday, January 30, continue through Saturday, January 31, and taper off Saturday night.
After the snow ends, brace yourself for bitter conditions. The high temperature in Charlotte on Saturday is forecast to be 27 degrees, with overnight Sunday into Monday temperatures potentially dropping into the single digits. An Extreme Cold Watch is in effect for all locations, and this cold is dangerous to life and property, so precautions are critical. Wind could blow the powdery snow, which could make it hard to see outside and would make driving difficult.
This is a rare, high-impact winter storm for the Carolinas, combining significant snow with extreme cold. The snow is expected to start falling late Friday into early Saturday and should be wrapped up by sunrise on Sunday. Road conditions will deteriorate fast since temperatures are already below freezing, so snow will stick as soon as it falls, making for fluffy snow and roads that will become slick fast. Whether you're planning to travel or stay home, prepare now by gathering supplies, checking your heating systems, and staying updated on the latest forecasts from local weather authorities.