ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Time is running out for residents across Western North Carolina to prepare for a major ice storm expected to begin Saturday night and worsen through Sunday, bringing dangerous ice buildup and the risk of extended power outages.
The National Weather Service office in Greenville-Spartanburg said Saturday that an Ice Storm Warning remains in effect from 1 p.m. Saturday through 1 p.m. Monday for Western North Carolina, northeast Georgia, the North Carolina Piedmont and Upstate South Carolina. Forecasters urged residents to complete storm preparations before conditions deteriorate later Saturday as precipitation rates increase.
Ice accumulations approaching or exceeding three-quarters of an inch are possible in parts of the region, an amount capable of bringing down trees and power lines. Officials warned that travel could become extremely difficult or impossible and that power outages could last for several days.
Light precipitation was already approaching western portions of the forecast area Saturday morning, with light snow possible near the Great Smoky Mountains and a dusting possible in higher elevations. Sprinkles, flurries or light sleet were also possible in lower elevations of northeast Georgia and the Upstate…