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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – Hundreds of flight cancelations and dozens of delays were reported Saturday at Charlotte Douglas International Airport as a winter storm moved through the U.S. and approached the Carolinas.
As of 11:15 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, there were over 450 flight cancelations and more than 120 flight delays at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware. The majority of affected flights appeared to be with American Airlines.
Click here to see the latest numbers of cancelations and delays for the Charlotte airport.
The flight disruptions on Saturday came as a winter storm moved from west to east across the U.S. Snow and sleet were possible to start falling in the western Carolinas on Saturday, with a transition to freezing rain expected in the Carolinas either late Saturday or early Sunday, Jan. 25.
Freezing rain was possible throughout the day on Sunday in the Charlotte region, according to our First Alert meteorologists.
Click here for the most up-to-date winter storm forecast.
An accumulation of freezing rain, which is essentially ice, could significantly impact travel in the coming days. Roadways could become dangerous, if not impassible, at some points this weekend and into early next week due to the ice.
Power outages were also possible across the region due to the storm. Ice could accumulate on power lines and tree branches, which could damage power lines and cause widespread outages.
What to expect from the Ice Storm(WBTV)
—> More: Power outages possible across Carolinas with winter storm: How to prepare
Scroll down for a full storm forecast breakdown from First Alert meteorologist Eric Garlick. You can also visually track the storm in the interactive radar immediately below.
Latest storm forecast
Meteorologist Eric Garlick writes:
The ice storm warning continued Saturday for most locations in our region. Those that are not included in the ice storm warning are included in a winter storm warning.
Ice is the main threat with this incoming winter storm, and impacts could last for several days.
The worst of the winter storm is expected in North and South Carolina on Sunday. Wintry weather is still forecast to begin on Saturday afternoon, with the timing depending on the location.
What to expect from the Ice Storm(WBTV)
Here’s a look at what to expect and when.
The big picture: A setup for freezing rain
A very strong arctic high-pressure system is pushing cold air south and locking it in place at the surface (this is called cold air damming). At the same time, deep moisture moves in overhead. That combination is a classic freezing rain setup, and temperatures will be well below freezing while this is happening.
Because temperatures are colder than many past ice events, ice may stick and accumulate quickly, especially on untreated roads, trees, and power lines.
—> Related: Freezing rain, sleet possible in Carolinas amid winter storm: Here’s how they’re different
Saturday storm timeline
Temperatures: Low 30°F / High 38°F
- Precipitation begins later in the afternoon and evening.
- Starts as sleet and snow, depending on location.
- Roads begin turning slick by evening.
- Road conditions: Becoming slippery; avoid travel if possible.
What’s happening: Precipitation spreads into the area from the west. Initially, sleet and snow will be likely. The cold layer at the surface is deep enough to support freezing of precipitation before it hits the ground.
Saturday night forecast
- Precipitation becomes more widespread.
- Sleet dominates, with freezing rain beginning to mix in.
- Travel becomes increasingly dangerous overnight.
- Sleet accumulation: 0.5-1.0″ expected by Sunday morning.
- Road conditions: Very hazardous; roads becoming slick with sleet accumulation.
- Key concern: Timing of transition to freezing rain is critical.
What’s Happening: Sleet is the main precipitation type throughout the night. Forecasts show warm air aloft is establishing quickly, suggesting a transition to freezing rain may occur sooner than initially thought. However, the cold layer at the surface is deep enough that some refreezing will be likely before drops hit the surface.
Sunday storm timeline – the worst day
Temperatures: Low 23°F / High 30°F
- 100% chance of freezing rain.
- Transition to widespread freezing rain by morning.
- Ice continues to accumulate all day long.
- Tree damage and power outages become widespread.
- Road conditions: Impassable; ice coating all surfaces.
What’s Happening: Freezing rain is now the dominant precipitation type throughout Sunday. Strong warm air advection aloft combined with persistent cold air at the surface creates continuous ice accumulation. This is when power outages begin to occur as ice weight accumulates on trees and power lines. The cold air damming is at its peak intensity.
What to expect from the Ice Storm(WBTV)
Sunday evening forecast
- Freezing rain continues.
- Additional ice accumulation possible (0.1-0.2 inches).
- Conditions remain hazardous.
- A final band of heavier precipitation possible as the primary low transitions from the Tennessee Valley to a coastal low.
- Road conditions: Still impassable; additional ice possible.
What’s Happening: The main forecast uncertainty is whether temperatures will rise above freezing by the time this final band arrives. If temps stay below freezing, additional ice accumulation occurs. If temps rise above freezing, some rain is possible. Cold air damming begins to erode as the upper flow pattern becomes phased.
Expected accumulation
The amount of snow and ice accumulation will be enough to cause serious impacts.
Snow totals
- North of I-40: 2-4 inches (mountains only).
- Timing: Early Saturday afternoon, brief period before transition to sleet/freezing rain.
What to expect from the Ice Storm(WBTV)
Sleet totals
- South of I-40: 1-3 inches.
- Timing: Saturday evening through Sunday morning.
- Note: Sleet will be buried under ice that accumulates.
Ice (freezing rain) totals
- Most areas (Charlotte metro): 0.50-0.75 inches or more.
- Mountains: 0.20-0.50 inches or more.
- Timing: Primarily Sunday morning through Sunday evening.
- Note: Even 0.25 inches of ice can cause problems — these amounts are well beyond that threshold.
What to expect from the Ice Storm(WBTV)
Expected impacts & hazards
Icy roads, potentially impassable at times
- Travel will be extremely dangerous Saturday evening through Sunday evening.
- Black ice concerns continue through the week.
Widespread power outages, long-lasting
- Power outages could last for days, not just hours.
- Some areas could be without power through Monday, Tuesday, or even longer if damage is severe.
- This is a public health concern, especially combined with extreme cold.
Dangerous travel conditions lasting beyond the storm
- Icy roads will remain hazardous through Wednesday/Thursday.
- Refreezing each night will create black ice.
- Limited melting due to slow temperature recovery.
What to expect from the Ice Storm(WBTV)
Bottom line
This is a significant and dangerous ice storm, not just a wintry mix.
Sunday is the highest-impact day, but problems may linger into next week due to cold temperatures.
Click here to see more of the breakdown from Eric Garlick.
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