RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect for most of the viewing area ahead of a significant winter storm heading towards North Carolina.
The storm arrives on Sunday bringing a little bit of everything from snow, sleet, freezing rain, rain, cold temperatures and wind.
This weather event is mainly going to be an ice and rain event, with only some snow expected. As winds shift out of the south, and rain takes over in the afternoon any snow accumulation will be washed away.
Our biggest concern will be possible icing on roads, power lines, and trees. This ice accumulation along with wind gusts over 30 mph could lead to dangerous travel and power outages.
TIMING
Some snow will develop in the pre-dawn hours Sunday morning in the Sandhills, and then will transition to freezing rain and sleet. Accumulating snow will be mainly north and west of the Triangle. However, the Triangle could see up to 1/3 of an inch of ice accumulation through midday. This could lead to power outages and slick roads.
During Sunday afternoon everyone should transition to rain from the southeast to the northwest. Rain could be heavy at times along with gusty winds. The rain should end by midnight on Sunday with a few flurries before we dry out.
As skies clear overnight on Sunday, any lingering moisture on the roads could freeze into icy spots as lows drop to around freezing.
BIGGEST QUESTIONS & CONCERNS
Where will the rain-snow line set up over central NC? This will ultimately determine what ends up on the ground tomorrow.
Icing will be our biggest concern Sunday and Monday morning with temperatures near freezing.
Follow the CBS 17 Storm Team on social media for the latest weather updates:
Chief Meteorologist Wes Hohenstein: Twitter, Facebook & Instagram
Meteorologist Bill Reh: Twitter & Facebook & Instagram
Meteorologist Melissa Le Fevre: Twitter & Facebook & Instagram
Weather & Traffic Anchor Laura Smith: Twitter & Facebook
Meteorologist Rachel Duensing: Twitter & Facebook & Instagram
This forecast was prepared by the CBS 17 Storm Team and is based on the latest information available and years of weather forecasting in North Carolina. It was not produced by a computer like many forecasts you find on the web, social media and smart phone apps.
