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How much more snow can Raleigh expect today as winter storm conditions linger?
As a winter storm continues to impact North Carolina, residents are waking up to a landscape transformed into a winter wonderland. This storm has brought significant snow and sleet to the central and eastern regions of the state, and it’s not quite finished just yet.
The National Weather Service has warned that light snow is expected to persist in the Raleigh area from early morning until around 1 p.m. Thursday. While accumulation predictions vary, locals can expect anywhere from a dusting to an additional half-inch of snow. As this winter storm moves out of the state, it leaves behind dangerously cold temperatures and chilling wind chills that could make it feel as cold as the single digits.
The storm originally tracked just off the Gulf coast, bringing a mix of rain and snow across the region. In areas such as Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, residents were treated to mostly snow, with reports indicating over 2 inches in Raleigh and 3 inches in both Durham and Chapel Hill. Meanwhile, areas in the northeast corner of the state saw impressive accumulations of up to 8 inches, particularly in Elizabeth City, where reports indicated heavy snowfall well into the evening.
Despite some warmer weather projected for next week, the immediate forecast is grim. As temperatures are forecasted to struggle to hit the mid-30s on Thursday, gusty winds will exacerbate the cold, leaving temperatures feeling much chillier. The high Thursday is expected to reach around 34 degrees, but with winds gusting up to 28 mph, it will feel much colder. Overnight lows are projected to plummet to around 18 degrees, and any snow or ice that falls is likely to refreeze, creating hazardous conditions.
Travel is being severely disrupted as numerous accidents have been reported across the region. The N.C. Highway Patrol has been overwhelmed with calls related to crashes, illustrating just how treacherous road conditions have become. With many calls about vehicles in ditches and multi-vehicle pile-ups, it is clear that anyone who ventures out must exercise extreme caution. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has warned drivers to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, emphasizing that even the best drivers are facing high risks under these conditions.
Emergency services and power crews have been working diligently to respond to the numerous incidents and outages reported, with over 5,000 customers without power at one point due to downed lines. Governor Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency to help facilitate a coordinated response to the storm’s aftermath.
As we look ahead, conditions are expected to improve slightly by next week as temperatures may rise into the low 60s. However, for now, it’s crucial for residents in the Raleigh area and beyond to stay safe, keep warm, and limit travel to avoid accidents in the frigid winter weather.
Stay tuned for further updates as we monitor the weather conditions and recovery efforts across North Carolina during this winter storm.
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