Residents in central North Carolina are advised to brace for a potent winter storm rolling in with the potential to disrupt weekend plans. The National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a Winter Storm Warning effective from 1 PM today until 10 AM EST tomorrow, encompassing several counties including Halifax, Randolph, Wake, and Johnston.
The storm is forecasted to deliver a mix of treacherous winter weather, beginning with snow this afternoon which is then anticipated to transition to sleet and freezing rain overnight. Driving conditions are expected to deteriorate as “Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous,” the NWS warned. Friday evening commuters should be particularly cautious.
In terms of accumulation, the area could see up to two inches of snow and sleet and up to two-tenths of an inch of ice. With such accumulations, the NWS cautions that “numerous power outages will also be possible” as a result of the icy conditions. Local residents should prepare for the winter conditions by planning ahead and staying informed of road and weather updates through channels like NOAA Weather Radio or the NWS website…