Updated Jan. 30
Forecasters now warn parts of North Carolina could experience life-threatening conditions this weekend as a winter storm approaches with heavy snow, strong winds, bitter cold and even coastal flooding.
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings across the entire state. The snow could start as early as Friday night and continue through Sunday. A cold weather advisory and extreme cold watch are also in effect. A surge of Arctic air will move in behind the storm.
State emergency management officials are warning residents to be ready for another disruptive stretch of winter weather.
“We know you just finished dealing with the ice and freezing rain from last weekend, but the forecast is giving us a sequel nobody asked for,” NC Emergency Management said in a Facebook post.
“Our greatest concern is unsafe travel,” Gov. Josh Stein said in a Friday press conference. “Please take a second look at your weekend plans. Stay home and off the roads during winter weather.”
Watch Gov. Stein’s update here:
How is this different from last weekend’s storm?
The short answers: Snow, wind and coastal flooding.
Snow
Unlike the last winter storm, which mostly dropped ice, forecasters expect this system to produce more snow. Three to eight inches of snow are likely across most of the state, with eight to 12 inches possible in some areas, depending on where the heaviest bands of snowfall develop.
Wind
Strong wind gusts combined with snow could create whiteout conditions and dangerous travel, especially in eastern North Carolina. Wind gusts could be as high as 70 miles per hour on the Outer Banks, greatly increasing the risk of blowing snow and power outages.
Coastal flooding
In eastern North Carolina, forecasters are warning coastal flooding is likely late Saturday night. The National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City says it expects two to four feet of inundation above ground level along with battering waves on the ocean side of the Outer Banks.
And if the snowfall is on the higher end of the predicted range, there could be blizzard conditions on the coast, an incredibly rare occurrence for eastern North Carolina.
The last time the coastal plain got a foot of snow was December of 1989.
Will the snow melt quickly after the storm passes?
It’s not likely.
“We don’t expect to get above freezing until early next week, so whatever snow falls is going to stick around for a while,” Stein said Friday.
Behind the storm, there’s another surge of Arctic air that will keep high temperatures in the 20s Saturday and Sunday, even on the coast. The wind chill could be in the single digits or below zero at night.
How to prepare
You may know the drill at this point, but the National Weather Service and state emergency management officials are urging residents to restock emergency supplies in their homes and cars. As a reminder those include:
- Food and water
- First-aid kit
- Blankets
- Flashlight and batteries
- Battery packs for electronics
- An alternate heat source, if possible, like a generator to power your HVAC system or firewood
Do not run a gas-powered generator or use a charcoal grill inside your home. They can both cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Check on your neighbors to make sure they’re okay, and be prepared for bitter cold after the storm, too.
Have questions? Check out our Winter Weather FAQ.
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