ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Sleet and freezing rain are expected to intensify across western North Carolina after sunset, as a major ice storm moves in with the potential for crippling travel and widespread power outages.

Winter Storm Fern is expected to move into Western North Carolina tonight, bringing sleet and freezing rain that forecasters warn could cripple travel, down power lines and leave dangerous conditions lingering into early next week.

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg said confidence has increased that the storm will arrive in two phases, beginning with steady sleet and ice accumulations overnight into early Sunday, followed by a transition to freezing rain or rain later Sunday morning and afternoon. Ice accretion approaching or exceeding three-quarters of an inch is possible in some areas, which could result in widespread power outages and significant tree damage.

Meteorologists said moisture will increase this evening from west to east, with precipitation ramping up after sunset. Much of the state, particularly areas along and west of Interstate 95, is expected to see a mix of sleet and freezing rain, with coastal regions more likely to remain rain.

Freezing rain poses the greatest threat, officials said, as even small amounts can coat roads, power lines and trees with ice. Sleet, while hazardous for travel, typically causes fewer power-related impacts.

In response to the storm, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office activated its Emergency Operations Plan at 3 p.m. Saturday and increased staffing levels. Deputies have been strategically positioned at churches, fire departments and emergency shelters across the county to ensure rapid response to emergency calls.

Because of deteriorating road conditions, deputies will respond to non-emergency calls by phone, while emergency calls will continue to receive in-person response.

Sheriff Quentin Miller urged residents to stay off the roads as conditions worsen.

“Road conditions will soon be unsafe, so please stay home to help keep the roads clear for NCDOT and first responders,” Miller said. “Black ice is a real likelihood. The best course of action is to stay off the roadways and to shelter in place until circumstances improve over the next few days.”

Forecasters said travel could become extremely difficult or impossible in some areas through at least the early part of the work week.

In Asheville, freezing rain mixed with sleet is expected tonight, with temperatures falling to around 21 degrees. Ice accumulations of up to two-tenths of an inch are possible overnight, with additional icing expected Sunday morning before precipitation transitions to rain by midday. Winds could gust up to 20 mph.

Rain is expected Sunday night before temperatures drop sharply, with lows near 17 degrees and gusty northwest winds developing after midnight.

The National Weather Service also warned of dangerously cold wind chills developing Monday night into Tuesday morning, with another reinforcing cold front expected later next week that could bring additional periods of extreme cold.

Officials said residents should complete preparations as soon as possible, remain indoors during the storm and monitor official updates for changing conditions.