North Carolina is bracing for the impact of two storm systems set to hit the state in the coming week. According to Severe Weather Center 9 Meteorologist Keith Monday, the first system is expected to arrive on Saturday morning, bringing chilly and breezy conditions leading up to its arrival.

Areas in the northern part of the state, particularly the Foothills and Interstate 40 Corridor, are likely to experience a brief period of freezing rain on Saturday. A Winter Storm Watch is currently in effect for Alexander, Burke, Ashe, Watauga, and Caldwell counties. It is anticipated that these regions may see a light accumulation of ice, which could lead to minor travel disruptions. However, no other significant impacts are expected.

In the Charlotte area and the rest of the metro, residents can expect cold rain with an accumulation of about half an inch. While temperatures may briefly approach freezing early Saturday, they are expected to rise enough to keep the precipitation as liquid. The rain is predicted to taper off by midday Saturday.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is already taking proactive measures in preparation for potential winter weather. Road crews in Burke County are sharpening chainsaws and outfitting trucks with plows to quickly respond to any snow or ice accumulation. They are closely monitoring the forecast and have highlighted a six-hour window on Saturday morning when temperatures could fall to or below freezing.

NCDOT's Josh Mashburn emphasized the importance of preparedness, stating, "Make sure all of our chainsaws are sharpened... We got our signs, barricades, everything on the emergency truck ready to go. Our crews are lined up. We went over our safety stuff."

Looking ahead, meteorologist Keith Monday warns of a larger storm system expected to sweep through North Carolina on Tuesday. While it will primarily bring heavy rain, its impact could be more substantial compared to Saturday's system.

Residents and authorities are urged to stay updated on the weather conditions and any possible changes to NCDOT's plans. North Carolina schools in the northwestern part of the state have already announced two-hour delays as a precautionary measure.

As the state remains on alert, North Carolinians hope for the best while preparing for potential disruptions caused by these two storm systems.