Winter Weather timeline for Friday, since this is the number one question, I put together a timeline map of when winter precipitation will likely start falling across the state on Friday. I will note that, thanks to the extremely cold weather over the last few weeks ground temperatures are very cold, so as soon as snow/sleet/ freezing rain starts falling, it'll stick to everything. I expect road conditions to go downhill quickly through the afternoon and evening. Don't take this timeline literally but it gives you a good range of when precipitation will start falling based on the latest data.
My forecast remains mostly on track, I am looking over data this morning and will adjust the maps slightly. The main thing is I'll pull the Freezing rain/sleet/snow line a little further east/NE across parts of Eastern NC as a brief period of freezing rain/snow is possible, mainly in the orange area, which will reflect my new map. Totals are about the same for all areas, but I might adjust them a tad in some areas.
The Bottom Line: There will be a winter storm impacting a good portion of North Carolina Friday into Saturday morning, and hazardous travel is likely to last on and off into the weekend, improving by Sunday into Monday. It'll not be the end of the world; there is no reason to panic, but if you have plans Friday afternoon/evening into Saturday morning, you might need to adjust some stuff. I'll keep you posted.
-Ethan