Raleigh, North Carolina — A major winter storm is expected to bring widespread and dangerous impacts across the eastern United States this weekend, with the Southern Appalachians, the Carolinas, and southern Virginia facing the greatest risk.
According to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, a rapidly strengthening storm system will track just offshore of the North Carolina coast from Saturday through Sunday, producing heavy snow, powerful winds, and blizzard conditions in parts of the region. Forecast confidence continues to increase, with more than an 8-inch snowfall risk exceeding 50 percent across portions of central and eastern North Carolina, including areas near Interstates 40, 85, and 95.
Blizzard conditions are likely from Saturday afternoon into Sunday, especially from the Outer Banks northward into the Delmarva Peninsula, where strong onshore winds could significantly reduce visibility and make travel extremely hazardous or impossible. Widespread blowing and drifting snow may block roadways and isolate communities, particularly overnight.
In addition to snow and wind, major coastal flooding is possible along the Outer Banks and Virginia Capes as storm-force winds coincide with astronomical high tides. Moderate coastal flooding may also affect parts of the Northeast U.S. shoreline.
Behind the storm, record-breaking Arctic cold will surge into the region, with dangerously low wind chills near or below zero expected to persist into early next week. These conditions increase the risk of frostbite, hypothermia, and infrastructure impacts, including frozen pipes and power disruptions.
Officials urge residents to complete preparations immediately, avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm conditions, and monitor forecasts closely. Travel along major corridors such as I-40, I-77, I-81, and I-95 may become treacherous or impassable as the storm intensifies.
This system has the potential to be one of the most impactful winter storms of the season for the eastern U.S., and residents are advised to take warnings seriously and remain weather-aware through the weekend.
