A winter storm is expected to bring a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain to the region beginning Friday and lasting through Saturday morning. The colder air locked in place will allow many areas north of I-85 to see a mainly snow event, while areas south will transition quickly from snow to to sleet and freezing rain. Higher snowfall totals are expected in the mountains, where cold air will hold firm, while parts of the Piedmont and especially south of I-85 will see light icing due to a nose of warmer air nudging into the upper layers of the atmosphere. Recent model trends show a weaker low taking a more southerly track closer to the Carolina coast. This will keep the cold air locked in place, but also limits moisture which could impact snow and ice totals. As of now, this air mass could be cold enough to support higher snowfall totals — leading to more light and fluffy snow. Global models generalize snow to liquid ratios at a 10:1 ratio, which can under-predict snowfall, which is one of the reaons why I am projecting slightly higher totals for the mountains and  Here is the latest thinking: Mountains: All snow. 4-8 inches, with the highest totals above 4,000 feet. Snow will begin Friday afternoon and intensifies overnight, tapering off late morning Saturday. Foothills: Mainly snow. 2-4 inches of snow, with a light glaze of ice possible. Snow begins mid afternoon Friday through early Saturday. North of I-85: Snow to Wintry Mix. 1-2 inches of snow, with up to .1-.2″ of ice accumulation. Snow begins late afternoon Friday, before changing to a wintry mix late Friday evening, before ending early Saturday morning. South of I-85: Mainly Wintry Mix to Cold Rain. Minimal snow/sleet accumulation, with up to .25″ of ice accumulation. Brief snow/sleet late Friday afternoon, before transitioning to freezing rain and rain, ending early Saturday morning. One thing is for certain and that is travel will be hazardous due to any accumulation of snow and ice. Conditions will deteriorate Friday afternoon and improve by Saturday afternoon. Until the track of the low pressure system becomes more certain, wintry precip totals will likely change. Keep up with the latest forecast from the WCCB WeatherWise team by downloading the WCCB Weather App