Snowflakes fall in Charlotte as cold air looms in winter weather advisory

Snow began falling in Charlotte late Tuesday afternoon as the arctic air that settled over the region brought dangerous wind chills of 5 degrees.

There was a 30% chance of snow between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tuesday, forecasters said.

“Snow flurries are probable ... and it’s looking like we may see some accumulating snow along and south of I-85,” forecasters said Tuesday morning.

By Tuesday evening, motorists were proceeding cautiously during the remnants of rush hour around uptown Charlotte as white stuff began sticking to roads.

“With the cold air in place, any accumulating snow may cause significant impacts on roadways. Temperatures, meanwhile, continue to be well-below normal thru the period, barely getting above 32 degrees over much of the (forecast) area today,” the forecast said.

Snow accumulations are expected to be “light,” officials say. However, some communities may see as much as an inch.

The National Weather Service said the snow could also affect the Wednesday morning commute in the region and that roads would be slippery.

Temperatures will not rise above freezing Wednesday and lows will be at 16 degrees Tuesday night and 17 degrees Wednesday night, forecasters say.

A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the period between 7 p.m. Tuesday until noon Wednesday.

People who venture out are warned they risk “hypothermia and frostbite if precautions are not taken,” including a hat and gloves.

Wind chills are based on how cold it feels to humans. As cold wind increases, “it draws heat from the body, driving down skin temperature” and the internal body temperature, forecasters say.

Temperatures will rise slowly at the end of the week, with a high of 39 degrees Thursday and 43 degrees on Friday. Lows will remain below freezing for the week.

The Mecklenburg County Courthouse will be closed on Wednesday and all court sessions are canceled. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and other districts in the region canceled classes on Wednesday.

Government offices in Union County and Monroe will be closed Wednesday.

Charlotte last got snowfall on Jan. 10, when an icy storm knocked out power to thousands in the Charlotte region.

This story was originally published January 21, 2025 at 5:33 AM.