Winter Storm Watch For Iredell: Snow, Sleet Headed To NC

IREDELL COUNTY, NC — Wintry weather, including sleet and up to 3 inches of snow, could move into the piedmont of North Carolina, including Iredell County this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

A winter storm watch will be in effect for Iredell County, along with much of western North Carolina Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon.

A winter storm watch means that there is a potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulation that could affect travel, NWS said.

"A strong storm system will push into the Appalachians Saturday night into Sunday," NWS said in its alert. "This combined with cold temperatures will bring the possibility of a wintry mix of accumulating snow, sleet, and freezing rain to western North Carolina."

Here is the National Weather Service's forecast through next week:
Tonight (Jan. 29)
Mostly clear, with a low around 26. Calm wind.
Saturday (Jan. 30)
Increasing clouds, with a high near 46. Calm wind becoming east southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night
A slight chance of rain, snow, and sleet before midnight, then rain. Low around 34. East southeast wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Little or no snow and sleet accumulation expected.
Sunday (Jan. 31)
Rain, mainly before 5pm. High near 39. East southeast wind 6 to 11 mph becoming north northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Sunday Night
A chance of rain showers before 3am, then a slight chance of rain and snow showers. Cloudy, with a low around 36. North northwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Monday (Feb. 1)
A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 8am, then a slight chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.
Tuesday (Feb. 2)
Mostly sunny, with a high near 47.
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 30.
Wednesday (Feb. 3)
Sunny, with a high near 52.
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.
Thursday (Feb. 4)
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Friday (Feb. 5)
A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62.

AAA Mid-Atlantic offers these winter driving tips:

• Plan ahead. If road conditions become treacherous, delay travel and give road crews time to clear or treat roadways and interstate lanes.
• See and be seen: Remove snow/ice from the hood, roof, trunk, lights, windows and mirrors.
• Slow down and give yourself more room: Increase following distance to at least 10 seconds.
• Buckle up: Every passenger (including pets) should be properly restrained.
• Put down the phone: Eliminate all distractions while driving, including phones and other electronic devices.
• Drive in cleared lanes. Changing lanes unnecessarily puts you at greater risk of hitting a patch of ice between lanes that may cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
• Accelerate gently: If tires lose grip and start to spin, let off on the accelerator.
• Pay close attention on hills: When approaching a hill watch how other drivers are responding and keep far enough behind the vehicle ahead of you so that you will not have to slow down or stop. Once you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed as slowly as possible.
• Avoid slamming on the brakes: A skid can occur when you apply the brakes so hard that one or more wheels lock. Should a skid occur, remain calm and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go.
• Turn off cruise control: Avoid using cruise control when driving in wet or icy conditions.
• Move Over: Remember the "Move Over" law when first responders, waste collection workers and emergency roadside assistance workers are assisting drivers along multi-lane roadways.

Get Your Car Winter Ready
Harsh winter conditions make your vehicle work harder, particularly the charging and starting system, headlights, tires and windshield wipers. AAA recommends that drivers check these systems:

• Battery: Clean any corrosion from battery posts and cable connections and wash all surfaces with battery terminal cleaner or a solution of baking soda and water. Have the battery checked by a professional to ensure it is strong enough to face cold weather.
• Tires: Examine tires for tread depth, uneven wearing and cupping. Check tire pressures once a month when tires are cold, before driving for any distance.
• Engine: Have any engine problems corrected at a repair shop. Symptoms like hard starts, rough idling, stalling or diminished power could signal a problem that would be exacerbated by cold weather. Engine hoses and belts should be inspected for wear or cracking.
• Fluids: Important system fluids such as engine coolant/anti-freeze, transmission and brake fluid should be checked and changed at recommended intervals.
• Exhaust: Have your mechanic check the exhaust system for leaks and look for any holes in the trunk and floorboards.
• Brakes: Inspect brakes as recommended in your owner's manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, pulling, noises while braking or longer stopping distance. Correct minor brake problems promptly.
• Wipers: Replace worn windshield-wiper blades. Purchase one-piece beam-type or rubber-clad "winter" blades to fight snow and ice build-up. Use cold-weather windshield washer solvent and carry an ice-scraper.
• Lights: Inspect all lights and bulbs and replace burned out bulbs. Clean road grime or clouding from all lenses.

Pack a Vehicle Emergency Kit
Drivers should prepare a winter emergency kit now and stow it in the trunk of their vehicle. The emergency kit should include:

• Fully charged mobile phone pre-programmed with rescue apps and important phone numbers including family and emergency services, and car charger.
• Bottled water.
• First-aid kit.
• Non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers.
• Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats.
• Snow shovel.
• Blankets.
• Extra warm clothing (coat, gloves, hats, scarves).
• Flashlight with extra batteries.
• Window washer solvent.
• Ice scraper with brush.
• Cloth or roll of paper towels.
• Jumper cables.
• Warning devices (flares or triangles).
• Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench).

Deb Belt, Patch staff, contributed