A significant winter storm is increasingly likely to impact large portions of the Eastern United States this weekend, according to the NOAA Weather Prediction Center, with confidence continuing to grow for heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerous travel conditions across the Southern Appalachians, the Carolinas, and parts of the East Coast.
Forecast guidance shows a rapidly strengthening storm system developing late Friday and intensifying through the weekend. The highest confidence for significant snowfall impacts stretches from the southern Appalachian Mountains through central and eastern North Carolina, with probabilities exceeding 60 to 80 percent in some areas. Snowfall is expected to begin Friday and continue at times through Sunday, potentially lingering into early Monday morning.
In addition to heavy snow, strong winds and coastal impacts are a growing concern. Along the Mid-Atlantic coastline, particularly from northeastern North Carolina into southeast Virginia, powerful onshore winds may approach near-hurricane-force gusts. These winds, combined with astronomical high tides, could lead to moderate to locally significant coastal flooding, as well as blowing and drifting snow that sharply reduces visibility.
Travel along major corridors such as Interstates 40, 85, and 95 may become extremely hazardous, especially during peak snowfall and wind periods. Near-blizzard conditions are possible in parts of northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia, where snow-covered roads and whiteout conditions could severely disrupt travel.
While confidence remains highest across the Carolinas and southern Mid-Atlantic, forecast uncertainty increases farther north along the East Coast. Even so, residents across the region are urged to prepare now, monitor updated forecasts, and be ready for potential power outages, travel disruptions, and infrastructure impacts.
Officials emphasize that forecast details will continue to evolve as the storm approaches. The public is encouraged to stay informed through weather.gov and local National Weather Service offices throughout the weekend.
