Cold-Driven Snow System Targets North Carolina Late Friday, With Icy Roads and Prolonged Freeze Through Early Next Week
NORTH CAROLINA — A cold-driven winter system is increasingly likely to bring accumulating snow to parts of North Carolina beginning late Friday, followed by several days of freezing temperatures that could keep roads icy well into next week.
Snow Timing and Accumulation Outlook
Forecast guidance now supports snow developing Friday evening and continuing into Saturday, with accumulations of 2 to 4 inches likely in favored areas. Because temperatures will be unusually cold, snow ratios could be higher than normal, meaning totals may add up faster than expected even with modest precipitation.
Temperature Setup Favors Efficient Snowfall
This system is driven by deep cold air already in place, not a marginal temperature setup. Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing from Friday evening through at least Monday afternoon, allowing snow to accumulate efficiently and limiting melting after the event ends.
Wind Chill and Extended Cold Concerns
Behind the snow, cold air will linger. Wind chills may drop as low as -5 degrees in colder inland areas and significantly lower in higher elevations, increasing the risk of exposure and frozen infrastructure. Even after snowfall tapers off, dangerous cold will persist, especially overnight.
Road Conditions May Deteriorate After Snow Ends
While snowfall itself will create travel issues, the bigger concern is what follows. With daytime highs struggling to rise above freezing, untreated roads may remain icy into mid-to-late next week, particularly during morning and overnight hours.
What Residents Should Prepare For
Drivers should plan for difficult travel late Friday night through Saturday, and residents should prepare for several consecutive nights of hard freezes. Cold-weather precautions for homes, pets, and outdoor plumbing will be important as the cold lingers beyond the snowfall.
This forecast will continue to be refined as newer data becomes available, but confidence is increasing that snow and prolonged cold will impact parts of North Carolina to close out the week.
If you’re experiencing snow, icy roads, or rapidly dropping temperatures where you live, share what you’re seeing and how conditions are changing in your area. Community updates help others stay informed — and you can join the conversation anytime at CabarrusWeekly.com.
