Meteorologists across the country are watching a significant winter storm that might impact Raleigh this weekend. Here's what we know so far and how to prepare.

What we know

As of Thursday afternoon, meteorologists are predicting less snow and more sleet and freezing rain for the Triangle. "That's not what anyone wants," CBS 17 head meteorologist Wes Hohenstein told RALtoday on Thursday. "Sleet and freezing rain aren't fun to play in, they look ugly, and, more importantly, they're bad to drive in, and they could lead to power outages."

Hohenstein also warned us about the cold — Saturday and Sunday are shaping up to be the first consecutive days where the highs are in the 20s since 2015, and central NC is predicted to stay in the 30s all next week.

"Winter forecasting changes so rapidly around here, so I would just ask everyone to stay up to date and become your own junior meteorologist, and keep an eye on things," Hohenstein told RALtoday.

How to prepare

Stay up to date with a local weather team. And sorry, no one at RALtoday has a meteorology degree, but we'll still keep you in the loop.
Reconsider weekend plans, especially Saturday night and all day Sunday. Frozen precipitation combined with ice-cold roads means any snow and ice will stick.
Stay inside and off the roads. Take the time to watch a movie, read a locally written book, or tune in to a Canes game or the NFL playoffs.
Prepare for potential power outages with batteries, candles, flashlights, and wood for your fireplace.
Find more winter weather tips from the State of North Carolina and the City of Raleigh.