Freezing rain could lead to icy roads in southeastern North Carolina on Sunday as a winter storm continues to bring cold temperatures to the region, forecasters warn.
Freezing rain is expected to continue until Sunday afternoon or evening and then turn to rain, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington. About a quarter-inch of “icy glaze” is possible in elevated areas near Interstate 95.
Hazardous travel conditions are likely, and power outages across the region are possible, forecasters said.
Gov. Josh Stein and emergency management officials said ahead of the storm that power outages were a major concern. Power outages were not reported in the Border Belt as of late Sunday morning.
But Robeson County remains under an ice storm warning until 1 a.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service. Scotland County is under a winter storm warning, and Bladen and Columbus counties are under a winter weather advisory.
Temperatures are expected to climb above freezing but remain cold. Forecasters say Robeson County could see a high of near 38 degrees Sunday, with the temperature holding mostly steady overnight. A quarter-inch of rain is possible overnight.
Columbus County could see a high near 42 degrees on Sunday. Rain and thunderstorms are possible before 4 a.m. Monday.
Rain is possible early Monday morning in Columbus and Bladen counties, and then skies are expected to clear, the National Weather Service said.
School Changes
Public Schools of Robeson County said schools will be closed Monday because of the storm.
Scotland County Schools said the district will switch to remote learning Monday and open on a two-hour delay Tuesday.
Bladen County Schools said the district will switch to online learning Monday.
Columbus County Schools and Whiteville City Schools said the districts will be on a normal schedule Monday.