The National Weather Service Raleigh has issued a briefing for a significant winter storm and bitter cold expected to impact central North Carolina from Saturday through early next week.

A winter storm watch is in effect for much of central North Carolina from Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon.

Confidence is increasing for moderate to major impacts including hazardous travel, falling trees, and widespread power outages.

The storm is expected to bring a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Current models favor a trend toward mixed ice/sleet over all snow.

An Arctic front on Friday night will bring dangerously cold air, with single-digit temperatures possible by Monday night.