A much-anticipated winter storm is expected to arrive in North Carolina Wednesday morning, Feb. 19, spreading rain, ice and snow starting at the South Carolina border as early as 7 a.m. and reaching the Triangle before lunchtime.

Another round of snow showers and flurries is expected Thursday morning into the afternoon. One to six inches of snow can be expected areawide and up to 0.25 inches of ice, mainly in the southern portions of the viewing area. This could lead to downed trees and power lines.

The NWS Newport/Morehead City NC issued an updated winter storm watch at 7:55 a.m. on Tuesday valid from Wednesday 7 a.m. until Thursday 10 a.m. The watch is for Mainland Dare, Mainland Hyde and Northern Outer Banks.