ROCKINGHAM — Richmond County is on the eastern edge of a winter storm watch that currently covers about two-thirds of North Carolina.
The National Weather Service issued the watch Wednesday afternoon. It will be in effect from Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon.
Meteorologists say “heavy mixed precipitation is possible” with confidence increasing in widespread sleet, snow and freezing rain.
The winter storm could lead to power outages, falling trees and hazardous driving conditions.
The extended forecast, as of 6 p.m. Wednesday, calls for a chance of rain on Thursday and Friday, with an increasing chance of snow and sleet, followed by a wintry mix, in the early morning hours on Saturday.
On both Saturday and Sunday, the precipitation is expected to be a mixture of sleet and freezing rain during the day and evening, switching over to freezing rain in the overnight hours.
Forecasters say it’s too early to speculate on precipitation totals.
In addition to the precipitation, temperatures are expected to remain near or below freezing throughout the weekend — from an overnight low of 29 degrees early Saturday morning until a high of 37 on Monday.
The cold temps are expected to continue into the week, with highs remaining below 40 degrees and lows dipping into the teens and possibly single digits.
The NWS encourages residents to delay travel plans.
“If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution,” reads the text that accompanies the watch. “Consider preparing and taking a winter storm kit along with you, including anything that would help you survive in case you become stranded.”
The forecast has already led to several local postponements.
Redland Acres was originally slated to host a free bridal expo this weekend, which has been rescheduled for 1-4 p.m. Feb. 7; and Rockingham Dragway has moved its Champions Banquet to Jan. 31.
The latest briefing from NWS includes the following planning graphic:
