Winter Storm in Stokes, North Carolina

Snow broke out across the county late Thursday evening and continued through the day Friday. It mixed with sleet, rain and freezing rain during the day Friday when warmer air moved in aloft. The precipitation ended as snow showers Friday evening. Total snow accumulations of around 4 inches were common.

The snow, combined with the freezing rain and rain on top brought down numerous trees and power lines across the county. At one point up to 17000 residents were without power. It is estimated that at least 100s of trees were down, with the county EMS director stating it was the most widespread damage he had seen.

A strong low pressure system moved from the Gulf Coast to off the North Carolina coast. A secondary low moved west of North Carolina over Kentucky, bringing a nose of warm air in aloft. This led to a mixture of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain across northwest North Carolina, with many areas seeing significant snow or ice accumulations.