Winter storm watch in effect across the Carolinas

The National Weather Service says a significant winter storm will affect the region from Jan. 30 into Jan. 31, bringing snow and very cold temperatures, with watches and warnings in place.

A significant winter storm is expected to affect the Carolinas beginning Friday afternoon, Jan. 30, through Saturday night, Jan. 31, according to the National Weather Service. The agency reports heavy snowfall and very cold temperatures tied to the system. A winter storm watch has already been upgraded to a winter storm warning for the North Carolina mountains, and forecasters say other watch areas may be upgraded tonight. Forecast uncertainty remains around where the heaviest snow band will set up. Key details: - The National Weather Service forecasts at least 2–4 inches of snow across the area, with locally higher totals of 8–12 inches where the heaviest band develops. - The North Carolina mountains have a winter storm warning; remaining watch areas are likely to be upgraded tonight. - Strong winds combined with dry, powdery snow may produce reduced visibility and isolated brief instances of blizzard-like conditions. - An extreme cold watch has been issued, with overnight lows in the single digits to low teens and wind chill values below zero in parts of the region. Summary: Watches and warnings are in place through early Feb. 1, and forecasters say remaining watch areas may be upgraded tonight. Very cold air is expected to move in during the storm and persist into Monday morning, with unusually low overnight temperatures reported across the region.