CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A major winter storm is set to unfold for much of the region. As Saturday unfolds, we will continue to have the chance of some mainly light rain at times. However, as precipitation rates increase and cold air deepens, snow will begin in the mountains and quickly take over through the foothills and the piedmont this evening and tonight. 

Stay with Spectrum News for complete winter weather coverage:

• Watch Live
• Latest Closings and Delays
• Interactive Radar
• Download our App

Most of the viewing area should have a period of snow overnight. The exception will likely be eastern areas, over toward Anson and Richmond counties, where a sleet/rain/freezing rain mixture is likely. 

The huge forecast challenge with this system surrounds what the exact temperatures will be about 5,000 to 8,000 feet above our heads. As warmer air at those layers moves in, snow will transition to sleet and freezing rain in some areas. This seems likely to occur around the I-85 corridor by Sunday morning, but it is not a certainty.

In the spots that do transition to sleet and freezing rain, it will greatly reduce the amount of ground accumulation in comparison to those areas that remain all or mostly snow. 

For the mountains and foothills, I think odds are good that this will remain primarily snow for a large majority of the event. In those areas, some 12"+ snow totals are quite likely. 

As you head down toward the I-85 corridor, there is a good chance that the snow will transition to sleet or freezing rain Sunday morning. This will cut into snow accumulation amounts where this occurs.

Generally speaking, we are going with the idea of 3-7" of snow accumulation for the Charlotte metro, but those snow amounts increase quickly as you head north and west of town. Those snow totals will also decrease quickly as you head south and east of town. 

Freezing rain could accumulate to a quarter inch or so in some areas. At this point, I think the most likely area for that to occur will be areas just east and south of Charlotte. We will adjust as necessary. 

All said, you can expect travel in many areas to become difficult if not impossible by later tonight, and travel will likely remain difficult into Monday.

Power outages are also a concern, so be prepared in the event you do lose power. 

Follow Matthew East on Twitter and Facebook​