“This is not a bread and milk situation,” Panovich said. “This is a major-to-extreme ice threat.”

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As Charlotte gears up for what could be the most significant ice storm in over 20 years, Weather Impact Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich is urging everyone to realize just how dangerous this storm could be. 

“Folks, I cannot stress this enough: Please prepare now!” Panovich posted on social media Friday. 

Panovich said the Charlotte area will have all day Friday to prepare without any inclement weather. Now is the time to ensure your home has the critical supplies needed. Widespread power outages could last for days due to significant ice accumulation. 

An Ice Storm Warning is in effect for the entire Charlotte area until Monday. Snow and sleet are expected to move into the region between 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday. By Saturday night, it will be mostly sleet falling before changing to freezing rain on Sunday. This will cause any accumulated sleet to form a frozen layer of ice, making travel pretty much impossible. 

“This is not a ‘bread and milk’ situation,” Panovich said. “This is a major to extreme ice threat. We are looking at a setup we haven’t seen in at least 10 years, and if the higher ice totals hold, we could be looking at something we haven’t dealt with in 20 years (think back to the 2002 ice storm.” 

The current forecast shows the potential for up to three-quarters of an inch of ice accumulation in Charlotte. Panovich said it only takes 0.25″ to snap tree limbs and power lines. At a half-inch, roads become impassable and widespread, lengthy power outages are likely. 

“If you are in the high-risk zones, you need to be prepared to be without power for days, not hours,” Panovich said. 


The bottom line

“This isn’t a fun snow day,” Panovich warned. “This is a damaging ice event. We have been lucky for a long time, but the data is showing a setup that demands respect and preparation.”


What you can do to get ready now

Charge everything: Phones, laptops, tablets and power banks. Do this before the grid takes any hits from the weather. 

Heat: If the power goes out, will your house stay warm? have blankets read. If you have a fireplace, get wood. Never use a generator or grill indoors. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. 

Food and water: You don’t need to panic buy, but have enough food that doesn’t require cooking for 72 hours. 

Medicine: If you need prescriptions or oxygen, get them now. 

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