As a major winter system barrels toward the Upstate, hosts break down what matters, when it matters, and how to prepare. ❄️🕔

Following expert insight from recovering meteorologist Tony Dale, the focus turns to timing — with one clear takeaway: wrap everything up by 5 PM Saturday. After that, conditions are expected to deteriorate fast as temperatures plunge below freezing and stay there through Monday.

With forecasts calling for heavy sleet accumulation, icing, strong winds, and possible power outages, the conversation turns personal — generators, gas lines, chainsaws, car positioning, and the real question: who’s making it into work Monday… and who isn’t?

🔎 Key Takeaways

⏰ The Critical Timeline

🕔 Saturday 5 PM = last safe window

🌧️ Wet precipitation turns dangerous by 8 PM

🥶 Temps stay below freezing until at least Monday afternoon

🧊 Why This Storm Is Different

❄️ Up to 4 inches of sleet before icing begins

⚡ Frozen precipitation = compacted ice, not fluffy snow

🌬️ Wind + ice = downed trees & power lines

🚗 Real-World Prep Talk

⛽ Gas shortages already happening

🔗 Plastic “zip-tie” tire chains — do they work? TBD

🪓 Chainsaws, generators, backup plans everywhere

🏠 Car positioning to avoid hills & bridges that ice over

🚨 Power Outage Concerns

🔌 Ice damage could linger even after temps rise

🔥 Heat, blankets, and food for several days recommended

📻 Expect live storm coverage all weekend and Monday

🎧 Why You Should Listen

This isn’t hype — it’s practical storm talk from people who’ve been through it before. From prepping your car to deciding whether to risk the commute, this episode walks you through what to do, what to expect, and when to stay put.

🏷️ Tags / Keywords

❄️ Winter Storm

🧊 Sleet & Ice

⚡ Power Outages

⏰ Storm Timing

🚗 Road Conditions

⛽ Gas Shortages

🪓 Storm Prep

📻 Live Coverage

🏠 Emergency Planning