Winter Storm Warning- Friday, January 5, 2024

The. National Weather Service has issued the following forecast:

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 1 PM EST SATURDAY. This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for western North Carolina.

* WHAT: Significant icing expected. Total ice accumulations of one tenth to three tenths of an inch.

* WHERE: Transylvania, Henderson, Rutherford Mountains and Polk Mountains Counties.

* WHEN: From 1 AM to 1 PM EST Saturday. 

* IMPACTS: Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Precipitation should begin late this evening as a period of sleet, possibly mixed with snow, before changing to freezing rain in the early morning hours Saturday. The best potential for significant ice accumulation will be generally south of US Highway 64 to the Blue Ridge Escarpment.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: A Winter Storm Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected. Significant amounts of ice accumulations will make travel dangerous or impossible late tonight and early Saturday. Travel is strongly discouraged during that time. Commerce will likely be severely impacted. If you must travel, keep a flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Ice accumulations and winds will likely lead to snapped power lines and falling tree branches that add to the danger. Prepare for possible power outages. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite source of weather information for the latest updates. Additional details

DAY ONE: Today and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Winter Storm Warning.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN: Saturday through Thursday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards - Winter Storm Warning.