Sleet is different from freezing rain, occurring when snowflakes partially melt as they descend through a shallow layer of warm air. They refreeze as they fall through a deep layer of freezing air above the surface. They become frozen rain drops before hitting the ground, recognizable when they bounce. Like snow, sleet can accumulate on the ground.

A Winter Storm Watch is put in place when snow, sleet or ice is possible and there is at least a medium confidence in the probability of heavy snowfall, sleet or freezing rain that will have a significant impact. A watch is declared if the criteria is expected to be met within the next 2 to 3 days.

The NWS Newport/Morehead City NC issued a winter storm watch at 3:35 a.m. on Thursday valid from Friday 4 p.m. until Saturday 10 a.m. The watch is for Mainland Dare, Mainland Hyde, Northern Craven and Southern Craven as well as Martin,