Sleet, Freezing Rain And Snow All In The Cards This Weekend

CHARLOTTE, NC — Confidence is building for big impacts in the Charlotte and Lake Norman areas from the impending winter storm, according to the National Weather Service.

While phone apps may be forecasting a foot of snow, that's not what the experts are saying, so take those phone apps with a grain of salt.

According to the NWS, Northeast Georgia, upstate South Carolina and the Charlotte area will see more sleet with freezing rain along and southeast of I-85. "Significant" accumulation of ice or snow is possible.

WCNC Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich is monitoring the system closely. "This still is looking like an icy mess," he said Thursday morning. "There's going to be snow, we will see snow in this system, I just don't think we are going to see the giant totals around Charlotte," he added.

The chance for snow begins early Saturday night into Sunday morning and stays mostly snow, but Sunday afternoon, the primary precipitation forecast is sleet and ice.

According to Panovich, roughly four inches of snow is predicted for the area, possibly in Huntersville, Cornelius and in the northern part of Mecklenburg County.

He recommends planning not to travel at all Sunday.

Winter storm preparations began Thursday in Charlotte, with crews brining roads.

Mooresville is also preparing by calling in crews Sunday night to work.

Here are 8 tips to prepare for winter weather so you're ready before Sunday.