North Carolina winter storm update

[WXBUFFJIM]

Tonight snow continues to accumulate in west central North Carolina folowing a brief respite courtesy of a dry slot, which moved through during the mid afternoon hours. Earlier today, heavy wet snow fell across most of North Carolina away from the immediate coast with accumulations ranging from 2-3 inches per hour, especially across central and western North Carolina. The following are a few snow totals from North Carolina this evening. This entire area of west central North Carolina will see more snow overnight with significant accumulation expected on top of what's already fallen.

Jonas Ridge, NC: 12"
Boone, NC: 11"
Albemarle: 5-6"
Asheboro: 3.3"
Greensboro: 1.25"
Silver Valley: 5"
Davidson: 4"
Denton: 6"
Raleigh NWS: 1.5"
Fuguay: 3"
Golddsbboro: 7"
Raeford: 7.5"
Selma: 6"

More heavy snow is expected overnight tonight across west central North Carolina as an upper level storm tracks over South Carolina. Areas north and east of the upper storm will see enhanced snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour at times. With some of the heavier snow bursts, the potential for thunder and lightning is there tonight for west central North Carolina.

Combining the snow that's already on the ground and what's yet to come tonight, expect a swath of 6-12 inches of snow from Charlotte through Raleigh and Durham. Some areas within the 6-12" swath could potentially see 12 inches or more of snow as a storm total across west central North Carolina. Areas along I 95 from Raleigh down into Lumberton could see 3-6" of snow as a total accumulation with locally higher amounts possible, especially west of I 95 in North Carolina. Areas east of I 95 will see alot less snow as rain will mix in with the snow just inland from the immediate coast. Meanwhile the outer banks can expect only rain, but potentially heavy rain and some thunderstorms potentially as well.

While North Carolina is one of the hardest hit areas with this winter storm, there is potential for snow to extend northward into southern Virginia with a mixture of precipitation in the tidewater of Virginia later tonight as the upper level low approaches from the southwest. The potential for a few inches of slushy snow accumulation is there for southern Virginia tonight while light accumulations of snow is possible for the tidewater of Virginia overnight. But a mixture of rain and snow will tend to limit accumulations of snow for the Virginia tidewater.

In addition to the snow, there is a good chance for coastal flooding problems and high winds along the North Carolina and Virginia coasts. A gale warning is in effect for the Virginia Beach area points south into the northeast North Carolina coast including the Pamilco and Albemarle Sounds. Meanwhile a storm warning and a coastal flood warning are in effect for the outer banks of North Carolina tonight through Friday as winds could be sustained at 40-50 knots with gusts over 50 knots from the northeast tonight through Friday.

The bottom line tonight is A. heavy snow potential, especially in west central North Carolina. Keep an eye out in northern North Carolina and southern and southeast Virginia overnight for some snow. While less significant, snow is expected to occur in these areas overnight tonight as upper level low pressure approaches from the southwest.

Jim

[hurricanedude]

wouldnt be surprised for a 2-5 in swath through Tidewater after during the pre dawn hours

[WXBUFFJIM]

Possible HD. However the closer to the coast you get, the less the snow. You want more snow, head to Charlotte. The city has seen 6". South of Charlotte, unofficial reports of 18" of snow have been received with 6 hours of thundersnow tonight. Tremendous observations!!!

Jim