Icy forecast for western NC in time for Santa

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.

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