Triangle expected to receive 1-2 punch of snow this week

A weak system will bring a light dusting of flurries to the Triangle on Tuesday, though coastal areas could receive up to 2 inches of snow, WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze said. Coastal and southeastern counties are under a winter weather advisory from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The projected weather led New Hanover County Schools, Pender County Schools and Bladen County Schools to cancel classes on Tuesday; teachers and staff in the three districts have an optional work day. Camp Lejeune District Schools are also closed Tuesday. Duplin County Schools, Sampson County Schools and Clinton City Schools will operate on a two-hour delay Tuesday.

Raleigh has an 80 percent chance of receiving up to an inch of snow by Tuesday afternoon, WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel said.

“I think we’ll definitely see snow,” he said. “Tomorrow is one of those situations where there’s not a chance of it turning into a major snow, but there’s a chance of receiving enough for it to have some impact.”

A subsequent system could bring 3-6 inches of snow Wednesday night into Thursday morning, but how much of it sticks will depend on a number of variables, Fishel said.

"We definitely expect heavier amounts of precipitation," he said. "The issues are going to be how much is going to fall and what form is it going to be in, and is the warm ground leading into the event going to be an issue in terms of cutting down on accumulation."

According to forecasts from the Weather Prediction Center, if the storm shifts 50 miles southeast of Raleigh, the Triangle could receive little snow, Fishel said. But if it shifts 50 miles northwest, he said central North Carolina could receive "a significant snow event, if it's all snow."

As for Monday night, Raleigh has a 40 percent chance of seeing more than two inches of snow early Thursday morning, Fishel said.