Snow will arrive in the area by late morning to mid-afternoon and areas around Hickory can expect two to four inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service.
Meteorologist Trisha Palmer said Marion has a chance of light snow later this morning, around 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. Areas east of Marion, such as Morganton, Hickory and Statesville, can expect snow to arrive by early to mid-afternoon.
Sleet will begin to mix in with the snow around sunset.
Palmer said areas around Marion can expect around four inches of snow. Areas further east can expect closer to two to three inches of snow.
Precipitation will move out of the area by sunrise Saturday.
Friday鈥檚 high temperature will be in the low 30s for the area. Lows Friday will be in the low-to-mid 20s.
Highs Saturday will be in the upper 30s and low 40s for the area. Saturday night will see lows in the mid-teens.
Palmer said motorists should be especially careful traveling on roads on Saturday and Sunday morning. Full sun Saturday will cause some snow and ice to melt but precipitation will refreeze Saturday night.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a good weekend to bundle up and stay home,鈥� Palmer said.
A release from N.C. Gov. Josh Stein鈥檚 office Thursday said the N.C. Department of Transportation is urging people not to travel during the storm unless it was necessary.
鈥淚f you must travel during bad weather, state highway patrol officials remind motorists to reduce speed, leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles, and clear all ice or snow from your vehicle before traveling,鈥� the release said.