Cold, windy weather moves into the Triangle

"Temperatures will be dropping throughout the day today as our cold front comes through," said WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner.

Monday morning's temperatures hovered around the mid to high 50s – warm for this time of year – but were expected to drop to the 30s by 5 p.m. Along with the cooler temperatures comes the threat of strong winds.

"Winds will be gusting 35 to 45 mph, so the wind is going to be a big issue for us later this afternoon," Gardner said.

Although the Southeast was spared the winter storm pummeling much of the Midwest and Northeast, the effect could be felt at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. By 10 a.m., more than two dozen flights had been canceled.

"We expect more cancelations as the day goes on," RDU spokeswoman Mindy Hamlin said. "Right now, the majority of the cancelations are to Chicago, Boston, New York and Pittsburgh."

Traveler Fari Chikomo was one of those stuck at the airport.

"It's sort of aggravating," Chikomo said. "I didn't sleep much. So, maybe I'll go home and take a nap and start again tomorrow."

The rest of the week should be fairly dry, with highs around the mid 40s to low 50s.

Those who are tired of the cold weather were happy Monday when North Carolina groundhog Sir Walter Wally failed to see his shadow, meaning there should be an early spring. However, Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania did see his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter.