Brad Panovich winter storm update: Charlotte covered in sleet & ice

Описание: A wintry mix of freezing rain and sleet is falling in Charlotte, North Carolina, while snow is falling across the western Carolinas as the winter storm moved into the region early Sunday morning. Chief meteorologist Brad Panovich said Sunday's winter storm setup was what he expected, with Charlotte seeing primarily sleet after early morning snow. Sleet is good news for power outages, as it doesn't accumulate on lines and tree branches the way snow and freezing rain do.

***10 A.M. UPDATE
First Warn forecaster Larry Sprinkle says Charlotte will continue to see sleet and freezing rain all day Sunday through late afternoon. Those conditions could last into Sunday evening with a change over to snow possible into early Monday morning.

"That could cause some major, major issues with power outages," Sprinkle said. "It is very icy out there. As far as driving, I would say the best thing to do is avoid driving at all today and tomorrow morning as well."

The North Carolina mountains, including areas like Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone and West Jefferson, heavy snow is expected all day. Sprinkle said many of these areas and the ski slopes could see upwards of a foot of snow. The good news for the mountains is there won't be much ice with this winter storm.

Areas east of Charlotte, including Rockingham, Wadesboro and Cheraw, South Carolina, will experience very cold rain with temperatures just above freezing Sunday afternoon.

"Up towards the mountains a lot of snowfall. Anywhere from 8 inches to a foot of snowfall," Sprinkle said. "The Charlotte area will see a lot more ice. That sleet is going to mix with freezing rain and cause some major problems out there."