When winter weather sweeps through the Carolinas, there are a lot of aspects of living in a colder climate that not every resident is used to.

WCNC Charlotte Meteorologist KJ Jacobs compiled a comprehensive guide to help you navigate those cold, snowy and sometimes dangerous conditions.

The City of Charlotte North Carolina

The city of Charlotte is a major financial center and home to American Airlines and Bank of America. With four railroads converging in Charlotte, the city quickly became a hub of industry and trade. Between 1850 and 1860, the population doubled, rising from a small town of 900 people to 2,265 people. Today, the economy of Charlotte remains diversified, with banks, distribution, and wholesale sectors.

Charlotte was home to many influential architects. In the early twentieth century, there was a boom in the building industry, and many architects came to the city. The city’s prosperity spurred the development of blue-collar neighborhoods and middle-class neighborhoods. This boom period lasted until the early 1960s, and much of Charlotte’s built environment dates from that period.

In Charlotte, you can enjoy all four seasons. Fall brings beautiful foliage, and winters are mild compared to other areas of the United States. Charlotte usually only experiences snow once or twice a year. However, the mountains can have fresh white powder when the temperatures drop. The city’s summers can also be quite warm, but they’re not as intense as those in other southern states.

Charlotte has long been a hub of transportation, with numerous roads and rail systems connecting the city with other cities in the state. In the late nineteenth century, the city became an important railroad junction. This made Charlotte an integral part of the state and a true city. This made it much easier to travel south and east to the cities of Wilmington and Charleston.