Stock up on the bread, eggs and other necessities, a winter storm is making a beeline for most all of North Carolina.

The National Weather Service office in Wakefield, Va. has placed all of the counties within its region, including the Roanoke-Chowan area and most all of northeastern North Carolina, under a Winter Storm Warning. That warning is in affect from 7 p.m. today (Friday) until 1 a.m. on Sunday.

While snowfall amounts may vary, NWS forecasters say anywhere between 6-to-12 inches may fall. The heavier amounts will be along the North Carolina-Virginia border and points north. The lesser amounts will be along the US 64 corridor and south. In some areas, the snow may be mixed with sleet.

The “perfect storm” scenario is beginning to take shape. A strong moist storm system over the southern plains will move east-

northeast, reaching a position immediately off the Carolina coast

Saturday. Meanwhile, arctic air will remain anchored over the

region. This combination is expected to produce significant

snowstorm over the warning area.

Snow is expected to develop from southwest to northeast late

Friday evening. The snow may become heavy at times during the early morning hours Saturday and will continue into the afternoon before tapering off to snow showers in the evening.

Heavy snowfall will make travel dangerous. Only travel in

an emergency. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

Expect the snow on the ground and roads to stick around for a while. Temperatures are expected to dip into the mid-teens on Saturday night. Sunday’s night is forecasted at 30 degrees with an overnight low of 12. Sunshine returns on Monday, but the high will struggle to exceed the freezing mark (forecasted at 36 degrees).

It is advised that residents stock up on necessary items prior to the storm’s arrival. Make sure that all medications are able to carry an individual through at least early next week.

Also make sure your pets are protected from the winter weather. Either bring them indoors or provide plenty of warm bedding in an area protected from the heavy snowfall.

Local DOT crews began pre-treating main roads on Thursday, applying a salt brine spray that makes it harder for snow to bond with the asphalt. However, significant snowfall will keep DOT crews busy as they attempt to plow the roads. Be reminded that they will address the major roads first.