Ice projections continue to rise for Charlotte as storm nears, forecasters say

Estimated ice accumulations continue to edge up as the Charlotte area braces for two days of snow, sleet and freezing rain, according to the National Weather Service.

As of Friday morning, forecasters are predicting anywhere from a quarter of an inch to three-quarters of an inch of ice could form on surfaces between 7 a.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Monday.

Snow is far less likely, with an inch or less expected in the region.

The arrival time of the storm also continues to change, with projections now calling for sleet to start late in the afternoon on Saturday, forecasters say.

Mostly snow is expected north of Interstate 40 and mostly freezing rain is expected to the south.

“This is subject to change as we get closer to the event due to the transition line between snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain,” the National Weather Service says.

“The biggest concern is the ice threat as the current forecast supports a crippling ice storm for a good portion of the area. Ice covered roadways will become treacherous and impassable. Widespread power outages are likely due to the weight of the ice on tree limbs and power lines. The outages could last for days in some areas. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning commute.”

Sleet is expected to arrive in the Charlotte area around 5 p.m. Saturday, with wind gusts of around 23 mph. It will transition to a mix of sleet and freezing rain around 8 p.m. and “sleet could be heavy at times,” forecasters say. The low will be around 20.

On Sunday, there is a 100% chance of freezing rain and sleet that will continue through the night. Temperatures will again fall to around 20 degrees, forecasters say.

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for both Carolinas and Gov. Josh Stein declared a State of Emergency for North Carolina.

“We urge people to get prepared now for what’s shaping up to be a very cold period for our state,” N.C. Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson said in a news release.

“Please don’t try to drive once the storm hits unless it is necessary. Please protect yourselves, your families and everyone responding to this storm by being patient and playing it safe.”