An Arctic blast has swept through the southeastern United States, bringing light snow flurries to the Charlotte area. Residents shared images and videos of the winter weather from various locations including Charlotte, Matthews, Clover, and Fort Mill.
A freeze warning is currently in effect across the entire Charlotte region until 9 a.m. Tuesday, affecting numerous counties such as Anson, Burke, Cabarrus, Catawba, Chester, Chesterfield, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lancaster, Lincoln, Richmond, Rowan, Stanly, Union, and York. In addition, Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties in western North Carolina are under a winter weather advisory until 7 a.m. Tuesday. This advisory signifies that while there may be travel difficulties due to winter weather, the conditions do not meet warning criteria.
Meteorologist Brad Panovich indicates that the Charlotte area will experience its first hard freeze of the season, with temperatures predicted to be well below freezing from around 8 or 9 p.m. Monday night until approximately 9 a.m. Wednesday. This prolonged cold spell will mark the end of the growing season in the metro area, prompting residents with sensitive plants to prepare their gardens accordingly.
In the mountainous regions, heavier snowfall is expected due to a surge of moisture from the Great Lakes. However, Panovich assures that any flurries east of the mountains will likely be brief, with no significant accumulation anticipated for the Piedmont or foothills.
This weather event serves as a reminder of the seasonal changes affecting the southeastern United States, and while it may pose challenges, it also provides a picturesque winter landscape for many residents to enjoy.