Third snow in central NC brings myriad of reactions; fun for some and headaches for others
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The third winter storm that moved through central North Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 19 brought everything from snow to sleet to freezing rain. It also led to dangerous conditions, especially for drivers and some air travelers. NCDOT crews started laying brine on roads on Sunday and continued into Tuesday night.
Gov. Josh Stein declared a State of Emergency during an emergency briefing Tuesday. Several weather alerts have been issued for the viewing area.
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"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."
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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.
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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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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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