Governor Cooper is urging North Carolinians to pay close attention to the weather forecast today and tomorrow as low temperatures and the potential for a wintry mix of precipitation impact the state.
“We don’t expect tremendous impacts from this latest cold front for most of our state but we also don’t want North Carolinians to be caught off guard," Gov. Cooper said. “Given the cold, wet and messy forecast, we want everyone to watch the weather closely and heed the directions of local officials.”
Meteorologists expect rain this afternoon across western North Carolina, changing to sleet and snow after midnight. Scattered rain and snow showers will persist tomorrow into Tuesday with light accumulations of one to two inches possible Monday afternoon across many western counties where a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect. Higher elevations in Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga and Yancey counties will be under a Winter Storm Warning from midnight Sunday through Monday and can expect three to five inches of heavy snow with locally higher amounts possible.
In central North Carolina, rain will continue throughout the day Sunday becoming heavier tonight through tomorrow. Precipitation is expected to change into a wintry mix of rain, sleet and snow Monday afternoon before tapering off tomorrow night. Any accumulations are expected to be light.
In eastern North Carolina, chances of rain will increase late Sunday and into Monday. A wintry mix of rain and snow is possible tomorrow evening, but no accumulations are expected. Coastal areas can expect strong winds Monday that may causes minor coastal flooding and ocean over wash. Minor flooding is expected on the ocean side in areas north of Cape Hatteras and along the sound side in Hatteras Village down through Carteret County.
The NC Department of Transportation has equipment and personnel ready to respond to the varying forecasted conditions across the state, from snow in the mountains to over wash along the coast. Due to the rain today, crews are not brining ahead of the winter precipitation. Along the Outer Banks, equipment and crews are staged to push sand or ocean over wash off of N.C. 12 as needed.
Follow NC Emergency Management and NCDOT on Facebook and Twitter for the latest storm updates. Real-time weather and road conditions, as well as winter safety tips, can be found on the free ReadyNC mobile app or online at readync.org.
Travelers are urged to go to drivenc.gov for up-to-date roadway conditions. Motorists are reminded NOT to call 911 or the State Highway Patrol Communication Centers for roadway conditions.