Deep freeze descends on Charlotte as wintry mix prompts warnings for NC mountains
Subfreezing overnight temperatures from an Arctic air mass are expected to linger in Charlotte through the work week, as ice from the system prompted warnings of outages and dangerous roads in the mountains.
Friday night and Saturday, Charlotte could see snow, although the chance remained less than even in the National Weather Service forecast on Sunday.
In the mountains this weekend, “ice accumulations will create treacherous driving conditions,” National Weather Service meteorologists said in a winter storm watch bulletin early Saturday for Old Fort, Banner Elk, Spruce Pine and Newland.
“The weight of the ice on tree limbs and power lines could produce numerous power outages,” forecasters said. “The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.”
Light accumulations of snow, sleet and freezing rain were expected late Sunday morning into the afternoon, primarily above 3,500 feet, NWS meteorologists said at 7 a.m. Sunday on the social media site X.
Rain on Sunday night is predicted to freeze in the northern mountains and northern foothills, leaving 0.1 to 0.25 inches of ice that could bring down power lines, forecasters said.
The ice warning followed a mountain snow dump of up to 3 inches on Friday.
Mecklenburg and surrounding counties should escape the wintry mix, although frigid temperatures are expected through the week, according to the NWS forecast.
And a 40% chance of snow entered Charlotte’s forecast for Friday night and early Saturday, with the chance dropping to 30% during the day Saturday.
At 2:30 p.m. Saturday, the NWS office in Blacksburg, Virginia, issued a winter storm warning for Ashe, Alleghany and Watauga counties, including Boone, West Jefferson, Sparta and Rocky Mount.
Effective from noon Sunday to 7 p.m. Monday, the warning forecast 1 to 5 inches of snow and ice accumulations up to 4/10ths of an inch.
Roanoke, Blacksburg, Galax and Wytheville, Virginia, also fell under the warning.
“If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.” according to the warning.
Charlotte, Rock Hill forecasts
Charlotte stood at 30 degrees at 8 a.m. Sunday.
The coldest day of the week in Charlotte is expected to be Thursday, with a predicted high of 40 and low of 21.
Skies should remain sunny, except for Monday, which has a 90% chance of showers.
After an expected high of 45 on Sunday, the NWS predicted highs of 51 on Monday, 43 on Tuesday, 42 on Wednesday and 43 on Friday and Saturday.
The forecast called for lows of 37 early Monday, 25 early Tuesday, 22 early Wednesday and early Friday, and 29 early Saturday.
In Rock Hill, the NWS predicted highs of 46 on Sunday, 52 on Monday, 44 on Tuesday, 43 on Wednesday, 42 on Thursday, 43 on Friday and 44 on Saturday.
Lows in Rock Hill are predicted to hit 38 early Monday, 25 early Tuesday, 21 early Wednesday, 20 early Thursday, 22 early Friday and 28 early Saturday.
This story was originally published January 4, 2025 at 11:03 AM.