Triangle could see snow flurries Tuesday

RALEIGH -- A strong cold front is expected to cross central North Carolina tonight and may produce snow flurries.

But don't bother with snow tires or chains, says Jonathan Blaes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Raleigh. It's only a small chance of flurries, which he compared to rain sprinkles.

"It's not a measurable weather event," Blaes said.

He added the roads will not get cold enough to ice over.

"Even if we do see snow, the ground is mild," he said, adding the high temperature today will be in upper 50s. "I will be surprised if the roads get wet."

The front will bring cold, blustery conditions Tuesday with highs expected to be in the upper 30s to lower 40s with northeastern winds gusting up to 35 mph.

The wind chill will make the temperature feel like the upper 20s by Tuesday afternoon, according to National Weather Service's Web site.

On Tuesday night, the wind chill will plunge temperatures into the upper teens.

The mountains in the western part of the state are getting snow showers today and will get more tomorrow, Blaes said. The ski resorts should get a coating, he said.

It's not unusual for the Triangle to see flurries this time of year, Blaes said.

"We have had some significant weather events," in late November and the first week of December, he said.

While the Triangle will not see a major storm on Tuesday, he said, it's a reminder for folks to prepare for winter weather.

Drivers should make sure they have an ice scraper in the car, and residents should consider grabbing a few extra soup cans and hot cocoa at the store.

And maybe a puzzle for the kids when they get stuck inside, he said.