Ice is an Increasing Threat Early Friday into Saturday

As a storms system moves in late-week, a potential long-duration light icing event is possible for parts of the northern NC and the NC mountains. This ice threat also extends into Virginia. We actually believe this bears watching, since ice events are usually slow and light, and last long. That means if the drizzle or rain is very light, and it’s quiet outside and cold, that ice could start to build on on surfaces. Of course, physical surfaces have to be either 32 F or below for the rain or drizzle to freeze on contact. These events are extremely tricky to predict even 24 hours in advance.

However, starting in the early am on Friday, light freezing drizzle could spread across northern NC, between 4 and 7 am. Below is what the radar could look like early am Friday.

By Friday night, the radar still has light freezing rain across northern NC and southern VA, and this look is concerning because it is light. This is usually an accurate indicator of and icing event that is underway. Below is the futurecast radar for around 8 pm Friday night.

Overall, the total swath of freezing rain could extend from the NC mountains and across northern NC and southern VA. The icing may extend into parts of eastern VA including the Tidewater.

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Author: Michael Griffith

I have had a passion for the weather since a very young age and am a degreed meteorologist. I have a Bachelor of Science from Penn State University and a Master's from Plymouth State University. If you ever see me out and about in the Charlotte, NC area, be sure to say hi!