Another Winter Storm Expected to Hit North Carolina

Yet another major winter storm is scheduled to dump snow on North Carolina tomorrow as the unusually harsh 2010 winter reaches its chilly fingers into March.

The National Weather Service has issued warnings and watches for areas including western North Carolina and Charlotte. The storm is coming from the south again and the southern foothills of North Carolina could get up to 5 inches of snow.

Forecasters are stressing considerable uncertainty with this next winter storm, meaning it could be the last blast of a bitter winter or a major event that turns this year into one for the books.

"This is the craziest winter I can remember around here," said Sherri Garwood, as she bought milk at the Food Lion in Denver, NC. "I mean for awhile we were having years where the winters were kind of mild. I guess we just got too used to that."

A mix of rain and snow is expected to develop by early afternoon across the Charlotte area. Further west in the North Carolina mountains folks are bracing for another blow.

According to forecasters a strong storm system in Texas has moved toward the Gulf of Mexico and spread moisture northward toward the western Carolinas. Precipitation will start as rain and then transition to snow by early Tuesday morning.

Forecasters warned of a dangerous mix around the Charlotte area that could make travel dicey Wednesday morning as water freezes on the roads.

Jason Childers, a resident of Lowesville just north of Charlotte, said that he couldn't believe there would be another snowfall.

"This winter just keeps going on and on," Childers said. "People aren't really even reacting because now we're used to it. I just hope that this is the last one of these we have this year."

Sarah Bryant of Charlotte was concerned about the effect on the school schedule.

"They already had to send my kids to a day of school on Saturday," Bryant said. "I just hope they don't have to miss anymore time."

A total snowfall accumulation of 2 inches was expected in areas along and north of Interstate-85. Some forecasters, however, called for as much as 5 inches.

A winter storm warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet, and ice are expected or occurring. Strong winds are also possible. Travel becomes very hazardous or impossible.

North Carolina has been hit by several winter storms this year which have caused travel problems and shut down schools and businesses.