Winter Storm Watches and Warnings are in effect across the North Carolina mountains and foothills as snow has begun to fall in the mountains and foothills with a rain-snow mix across most of the Piedmont.

First Warn Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich says the storm could bring up to 6 inches of snowfall to the higher elevations and towns like Boone, while 1-2 inches is possible along Interstate 40 and north of Charlotte.

“I think we legit have a chance for snow in the Charlotte area,” said Panovich, who has upped his popular “snow meter” to a 3 for Charlotte.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Ashe, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, and Watauga counties through Friday night. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Catawba and Iredell counties through Friday night. More areas are expected to be added to the Winter Storm Watch as well as some winter weather advisories, including Mecklenburg County.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport began reporting some sleet mixed with rain about 1 a.m. Friday. In the mountains, meteorologist Chris Mulcahy reported heavy snow in Blowing Rock and along US 321 in Caldwell and Watauga counties. Rain was beginning to switch over to snow in Catawba County by 1:30 a.m. with the changeover happening in Statesville by 5 a.m. #WakeUpCLT #NCwx #CLTwx