Cold Weather Alert for Charlotte: Brace for Ice and Snow!

Cold Weather Alert for Charlotte: Brace for Ice and Snow!

Hey there, folks! If you’re living in or around Charlotte, you might want to bundle up because it looks like the frigid Arctic air is here to stay for a bit. With temperatures dropping below freezing, we’re gearing up for a chilly work week ahead.

Winter Storm Watch Issued

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for various areas in North Carolina, especially in the mountains. Places like Old Fort, Banner Elk, Spruce Pine, and Newland should be on high alert! The meteorologists are predicting significant ice accumulations which could lead to some really slippery roads.

According to the bulletin released early Saturday, “Ice accumulations will create treacherous driving conditions.” These weather experts say we could see ice covering roads and trees Sunday afternoon through Monday morning, which could measure anywhere from 1/10 of an inch to a whopping ¼ inch. That’s enough to make driving a real adventure—and not the fun kind!

Power Outages a Possibility

Let’s not forget about the potential for power outages. The weight of the ice can make tree limbs and power lines vulnerable to breaking, which means you might want to stock up on some essentials just in case. So, if you’re in the areas mentioned, keep your fingers crossed and your flashlights handy!

Snow in the Mountains

And if you’re thinking it can’t get any worse, brace yourselves: Ashe, Alleghany, and Watauga counties—including Boone, West Jefferson, and Sparta—are also under a winter storm warning. From noon Sunday to 7 PM Monday, they could see anywhere from 1 to 5 inches of snow along with ice accumulations of up to 4/10ths of an inch. So pack your mittens, folks!

Travel Tips

If you absolutely must travel during this icy spell, the Weather Service suggests keeping an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when road conditions can turn hazardous pretty quickly.

Charlotte’s Forecast

Now, for everyone in Charlotte itself, while we might avoid the worst of the ice and snow, it’s still going to be *cold*. We can expect highs in the low 40s and lows that drop to around 20 degrees mid-week. Monday seems to have the highest chance of showers, but we can definitely expect a sunny sky the rest of the week—except for that pesky Monday rain.

After enjoying a high of 43 degrees this Saturday, they’re predicting 45 degrees for Sunday, and then back down to the low 40s for Tuesday and Wednesday. Don’t let the warmer afternoons fool you though; the lows will hover around 26 to 30 degrees, which is still chilly!

Keep an Eye Out for Changes

In the nearby city of Rock Hill, they’ll be experiencing similar cold, with temperatures dipping even lower at times. With highs and lows varying between 39 and 54 degrees, it’s best to stay prepared no matter where you are.

Final Thoughts

All in all, it looks like the chilly weather is sticking around a little longer. Stay safe, keep warm, and keep an eye on those weather alerts! Whether you’re hunkered down inside with a hot drink or venturing out, take care of yourself and each other!