That WINTER STORM WARNING
remains in effect for our area. 

Heavy mixed precipitation is expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are expected over the North Carolina foothills and the heavier accumulation will likely include Hickory with significantly more accumulation of snow in Catawba County, northwestern Lincoln and upper Cleveland than locations southward from there.  The northwestern area of Lincoln County could see 8 to 10 inches of accumulation with rapidly diminishing accumulation further southward.   2 to 5 inches of sleet, snow, and ice are now expected in Lincolnton.  Ice accumulation of one quarter to one half inch is also likely Sunday afternoon. Adding to the likelihood of downed trees and limbs and possible power outages will be winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

Travel could become very dangerous because of 'black ice.'  At least scattered power outages and tree damage are likely.   We expect 1 - 3 inches of snow from Lincolnton northward from Saturday midnight until about 9 am Sunday, then it will gradually change over to a wintry mix across much of the region.

Much less accumulation is expected in Gaston County and mostly freezing rain is forecast for areas southeast of I-85. The precipitation should taper off Sunday afternoon and evening, perhaps ending as a period of light snow. Black ice could be a problem every morning early next week.

No doubt many churches wlll cancel in-person services for Sunday.  We will be glad to post for free information about any weather-related cancellations or decisions to proceed with services as usual.  We'll also post for free any business weather-related closures or opening delays if we are given the information.  Send your info to lh@lincolnherald.com.