Updated 1:53
The National weather service is forecasting less snow and more sleet and freezing rain possibilities. In the Piedmont, snowfall totals are anticipated in the 3-5 inch range along with ice accumulations of 1/4 inch of ice, with locally heavier amounts. In the mountains, it's still looking like a snow event, with over a foot of snow possible.
NWS officials say this is still a dangerous storm. Windy conditions tonight could lead to power outages and temperatures are below freezing which can also lead to black ice.
Updated: 11:47 a.m.
In a Friday morning press conference, Governor Pat McCrory said two more people have died in North Carolina due to the hazardous road conditions.
He says residents should stay indoors if at all possible.
“This is that unique Carolina weather: sleet, then rain, then snow, then back to rain. And that makes it a very difficult job for DOT," Mccrory says. "That's why it's just best to stay off the road.”
According to Duke Energy, there's been limited disruption of the power grid so far, but that could change as the weather continues to intensify.
Original story:
The winter weather has made its way into the region.
A winter storm warning is in effect for the Piedmont and High Country. The front edge of the storm has already brought light accumulations in the Triad and more is on the way. The National Weather Service is calling for 6 to 12 inches of snow in the Piedmont, along with the possibility of a 1/4 inch of ice. In the mountains, 12-18 inches of snow is forecast.
Many schools and business are closed across the region. A full list is available here.
Roads are already becoming snow covered. NCDOT's traffic camera map is helpful tool to find out what it looks like on your commute.
Gov. Pat McCrory says North Carolina is prepared to handle whatever comes our way.
McCrory declared a state of emergency lasting the next few days as ice and snow threaten to bear down on the region.
State troopers, the National Guard, and state department of transportation employees will all be on alert to push away the snow and help stranded motorists.
McCrory asked people to stay off the roads during the worst of the weather, and emphasized the state will work overtime to keep them as safe as possible.
“Crews will swiftly clear the road by pushing any vehicles in the road that may impede traffic out of the roadway to the shoulder so we don't have these large backups and have potential people stranded,” McCrory said. “So we're going to do everything we can to help with that.”
McCrory added that if residents need to drive in the next few days, they should take extra care.
At least two people – one woman in Forsyth County and one in Stokes County – have already died as a result of slick conditions Wednesday. Both were driving on snow-covered roads.
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