Recent model trends favor a slightly farther west track of the upper
low and surface
cyclone, which has increased chances for snow inland
across central
NC. With the Arctic
air mass already in place, and
forecast soundings showing no warm nose aloft, precipitation would
fall primarily as snow, with no sleet or freezing rain mixing in at
this time. As the upper low moves across the region Saturday into
Sunday northerly
flow should help keep the cold air across central
NC through the weekend during the precipitation.
While this Miller-A storm setup is one of the more favorable for
snowfall across the area, significant accumulations are not
guaranteed. Snowfall amounts will depend heavily on the location,
timing, and interaction of the northern and southern stream
flow.
Another major factor in play is the location and proximity of the
coastal low offshore.
At this time, confidence is highest for frigid temperatures over the
weekend mixed with a chance of wintry precipitation as early as
Friday night through Sunday morning. However, it is too early to
pinpoint where the heavier snowfall will fall and where the narrow
deformation band would be most
likely.