Winter Weather Gone But Wet Roads Remain Across Charlotte Area

A second batch of winter weather moved across our area late Thursday, leaving wet roads but little ice. Drivers are still advised to be careful on bridges and overpasses.

The first storm brought snow early Thursday morning to parts of North and South Carolina, which led to numerous school and business closings. The fluffy white flakes began turning into rain around 9 a.m., leaving a slushy mess on most roadways.

During the first winter storm’s peak, Charlotte received about two inches of snow and ice. From Waxhaw south to Lake Wylie residents saw three to four inches of accumulation before the rain began washing it away.

Icy roads led to crashes and power outages early in the day. Hundreds of power outages were reported in Catawba, Lincoln and Mecklenburg counties during the morning hours, but most people had their power back by early afternoon.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police responded to an unusually high number of wrecks, but no one was seriously injured.

The winter weather also led to major flight cancellations at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. Nearly a fourth of the roughly 600 daily flights were canceled because crews were having trouble deicing the planes, which has left hundreds of people stranded at the airport. Airport director Jerry Orr is urging people to contact their airline before driving to the airport.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools decided schools would open as regularly scheduled on Friday.