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The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm watch from late Thursday night to Friday evening for Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Swain and Transylvania counties in North Carolina and the northern part of Greenville, Oconee and Pickens counties in South Carolina.
FOX Carolina Chief Meteorologist Kendra Kent said sleet will develop through the morning Friday, before changing to freezing rain by late morning. She said the precipitation may change to all rain by late afternoon as warmer air moves in to the region.
Kent said depending on how much of the precipitation makes it through very dry air, ice accumulations of up to a half-inch are possible in the mountains, and up to a quarter-inch in the northern Upstate.
The biggest problems will likely occur on bridges and overpasses, which cool faster than other surfaces, Kent said. She said power outages could happen where ice heavily accumulates.
Winter driving tips
- Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. Allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
- Brake gently to avoid skidding. Ease off the brake if your wheels lock up.
- Turn on your headlights to increase your visibility.
- Keep your lights and windshield clean.
- Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
- Don't use cruise control or overdrive.
- Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first.
- Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The road in front of them is likely worse than the road behind.
- Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions.
Source: South Carolina Highway Patrol