Triangle snow, ice forecast: Driving could be hazardous this weekend. What to expect
A blast of winter weather is expected to hit the Triangle this weekend, bringing with it the potential for icy roads and accumulating snow in some areas.
Durham, Orange, Wake and several other central North Carolina counties are under a winter storm watch from late Saturday, Jan. 15, to late Sunday, Jan. 16, according to the National Weather Service.
“All locations will have at least some snow, sleet and freezing rain, with the highest snow totals northwest of I-85,” forecasters wrote in a Twitter post.
Though the forecast could change, less than 1 inch of snow is expected in Johnston County and other places to the south and east. Raleigh and Durham could see up to 1 or 2 inches of snow while up to 6 inches could fall in areas far to the north and west.
Though snow is likely, ice poses the biggest risk to central North Carolina, according to ABC11, The News & Observer’s media partner.
“There is potential for a significant buildup of ice, potentially a third to half an inch before it turns to rain,” the TV station reported. “Even a small amount will cause difficulties, but if the heavier ice accumulations develop, we are looking at very hazardous conditions with the potential for downed trees and power lines causing extended power outages along with the dangerous travel.”
The weather service said “travel could be nearly impossible.”
In Raleigh, there’s a chance of snow mostly after 4 a.m. Sunday as overnight temperatures drop into the mid-20s. The city could also see freezing rain and sleet that morning before rain is expected.
Other parts of North Carolina are also bracing for winter weather risks this weekend. The Charlotte area could get “up to a half inch of freezing rain,” and more than a foot of snow or sleet could fall in the mountains, McClatchy News reported.
This story was originally published January 14, 2022 at 7:58 AM.
