Gov. Josh Stein declared a State of Emergency during an emergency briefing Tuesday. Several weather alerts have been issued for the viewing area.
WATCH FULL News Conference
Gov. Josh Stein, emergency officials share winter storm impacts | Full Briefing
"Our State Emergency Response Team is using every tool at its disposal to minimize the impact of this storm on North Carolinians," Stein said. "Over the next 24 hours, think about who in your life might be most vulnerable to this weather; please check on them and make sure they're prepared, too. Taking care of each other is what North Carolinians do."
WATCH: Icy roads overnight a big concern in the Sandhills
Icy roads a major concern in the Sandhills
Precipitation began falling for some areas mid-to-late morning Wednesday. In the Triangle and to the south, you'll see freezing rain and sleet mixing in. Weather and road conditions are deteriorating rapidly. School leaders across central North Caroling are closing schools for Thursday or turning to remote learning.
Road crews remained on hand all day and into Thursday clearing the major highways and interstates. They plan to hit the side streets and other roads after clearing the main roads.
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Another round of snow showers fell Thursday afternoon and the sun came out, however, with the temperatures not much of Wednesday's snow dump melted.
WATCH: Dozens of flights delayed, canceled at RDU
Dozens of flights delayed or canceled at RDU
One to six inches of snow can be expected areawide and up to 0.25 inches of ice, mainly in the southern portions of the viewing area. This could lead to downed trees and power lines.
Sleet, snow, and freezing rain will pose concerns and likely affect travel until Friday. ABC11 meteorologist Kweilyn Murphy said surface temperatures are expected to rise above freezing, bringing black ice Thursday night into Friday.
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Families have fun in snow at Fletcher Park in Raleigh
Icy roads are likely to be an issue. Schools have already announced closings and delays.
The good news: Temperatures will climb into the 50s by the end of the weekend and look for some 60-degree days next week.
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