Raleigh is no Oymyakon, Russia, the coldest town at -61.6 degrees Fahrenheit. But Friday may feel similar to some locals as a winter weather storm blows the heart of North Carolina off beat. So what's on tap for Friday's winter weather snap?
80 counties fall under a winter weather alert including Raleigh. Wake County will close schools three hours early. Not all North Carolina schools are following suit. Some will close only two hours early. The winter weather advisory extends until January 26 at 12 AM as rain, sleet and snow is said to make driving hazardous for most of the state.
Sounds bad enough for visions of bread flying off grocery store shelves to enter the mind. There's still hope in locals finding bread in stores come Saturday morning since Saturday kills the snow drama with a high reaching the mid-forties.
Friday temps according to 11 WTVD will be a high of 33. According to WRAL the high will reach 34. Covering the pipes with extra insulation for Friday night is not such a bad idea since the low is predicted to be in the 20 degree range with close to freezing temps as the high.
The obvious weather related event will cause travel issues. Don't drive unless you most need to.
The Department of Transportation confirmed that all plans of action are in place including brine. Like the Super Bowl of weather experiences, the DOT has gathered their game plan and seems ready for kick-off. Which happens to be somewhere around mid-afternoon on Friday when Raleigh changes over to the winter weather mix. As long as drivers prove not to be risk takers on a slippery road all should be quiet for emergency dispatchers.
This short lived winter storm is a great time to watch a Friday night movie with the family in the comforts of a warm home with the scent of delicious pizza delivered by the only pizza guy willing to work at all cost for a buck.
What plans can be interrupted? Check all flights at RDU Airport for cancellations and delays. Cancel any activity that involves driving. Animals should be kept indoors.
Most importantly, charge the camera batteries for an unexpected photo opportunity because you're going to need proof that Raleigh actually had a snow event Pinocchio. These things do not happen often.
For more on local weather connect with Allan Huffman, meteorologist with 10 years experience.
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