RALEIGH, N.C. -- Any dashing that Santa Claus - or anyone else - has in mind for northwestern North Carolina might turn into slipping and sliding instead. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the region effective for Christmas Eve through Friday morning. Forecasters say heavy icing is possible late Thursday and early Friday as a strong low pressure system combines with a warm front to produce up to one-half inch of ice over northwestern North Carolina. Meteorologists expect temperatures to remain below freezing, which could lead to icy conditions. Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)