Elizabeth City, North Carolina – A high-impact winter storm is taking aim at the Carolinas, with blizzard-like conditions and snowfall approaching two feet possible across northeastern North Carolina as the system intensifies through the weekend.
Snow is expected to begin Friday evening and rapidly increase in intensity overnight. The most dangerous conditions are expected Saturday into Saturday night, when snowfall rates may exceed one to two inches per hour. According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, widespread totals of 10 to 14 inches are likely across much of northeastern North Carolina, with localized amounts nearing 18 to 20 inches where persistent snow bands develop.
Strong northerly winds gusting 25 to 35 mph, with isolated gusts near 40 mph, will combine with heavy snow to create whiteout conditions at times. Travel impacts are expected to be severe along US-17, US-158, NC-32, and NC-94, with NCDOT warning that extended road closures are possible. Emergency managers say travel may become impossible during the height of the storm.
The storm will also bring dangerous cold. An Extreme Cold Watch is in effect late Saturday night through Sunday morning. Wind chills may drop to 5 to 10 degrees below zero, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Scattered power outages are possible due to falling trees and heavy snow loading, especially in exposed coastal and soundside communities.
Residents across the eastern Carolinas are urged to complete preparations before Friday evening, avoid non-essential travel, charge mobile devices, protect pipes, and bring pets indoors. Snow may taper Sunday, but black ice and extreme cold will keep impacts going into early next week.
