Snow showers are possible on Tuesday across the foothills and piedmont of NC early Tuesday morning as a coastal low develops, but the main threat will be very heavy rain along the coast of NC.
Before we go any further, accumulations are not expected due to above freezing ground temperatures; however, snow is possible before daybreak along I-77 in the morning. A light dusting is possible on grassy surfaces if the snow does come down heavy enough, but this will be an exception and not the rule for this event.
An area of low pressure is expected to rapidly strengthen along the coastal plain, which will strengthen an upper level low quickly moving across western and central NC. Moisture will be limited; however, there will be very strong upper level divergence, which will allow for cooling aloft. This cool air aloft will allow any precipitation that develops to fall as snow on the far northwest side of the precipitation field.
The short range computer models shows this possible light snow showers, especially along I-85. The HRRR computer model shows the brief chance.
The main threat with this storm will be the very heavy rain along the coastal plain. With the rapidly strengthening low pressure on the Gulf Stream, heavy rain is expected across eastern NC. Winds will also be gusty and the surf will be rough along the beaches as the system moves northward.
1-3 inches of rain is likely east of I-95, with the heaviest amounts near the beaches. Rain totals drop dramatically as you move westward.
Drier air moves into the Carolinas with warmer temperatures for your Wednesday and Thursday.
