Sleet, freezing rain forecast for NC mountains as winter storm warning issued

A winter storm warning is in effect for parts of the western Carolinas, beginning Wednesday evening, possibly bringing an icy coating to the region.

A deep low pressure system moving eastward from the Plains will bring moisture over a layer of cold air on the ground’s surface, the National Weather Service says. Those conditions make it likely the central and northern Blue Ridge mountains and foothills will see heavy precipitation including freezing rain and sleet.

The storm warning applies to Buncombe, Transylvania and Henderson counties from 7 p.m. Wednesday to 1 p.m. Thursday. Up to one inch of sleet and 0.2 inches of ice is expected at elevations of 2,500 feet or higher.

Ice accumulations not only make roads slippery but can bring down power lines.

The Charlotte area is not expected to get any frozen precipitation, but there is a chance the Hickory area could see a little snow, the Weather Service said.

In Charlotte, rain is likely after 10 a.m. Wednesday with the high reaching about 45 degrees. A north wind will develop Wednesday night with a 100 percent chance of rain continuing until about 1 p.m. Thursday, when the high will reach only 39.

A flood watch is in effect across the western Carolinas, including Charlotte, from noon Wednesday through Thursday evening.

Sunny skies and temperatures in the mid- to high 50s are expected Friday through the weekend.

This story was originally published November 14, 2018 at 7:53 AM.