A brief stretch of relatively mild February weather will give way to a sharp and dangerous cold blast across eastern North Carolina, including Newport, Morehead City, and surrounding coastal and inland communities, beginning late Friday night and intensifying through the weekend.
High temperatures today will climb into the mid to upper 40s, with a few inland locations briefly touching 50 degrees. While conditions remain mostly sunny and calm for much of the day, residents should remain alert for early-morning black ice, especially on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roadways.
By tonight, a strong cold front will move through the region, ushering in very gusty northwest winds and rapidly falling temperatures. Wind gusts may reach 40 to 50 mph, particularly near the coast and exposed areas, creating hazardous travel conditions along Highway 70, Highway 17, US-264, and coastal causeways. High-profile vehicles may experience difficulty maintaining control.
Behind the front, dangerously cold air will overspread eastern North Carolina. An Extreme Cold Watch is in effect from Saturday evening through Sunday morning, with “feels like” temperatures dropping below 5 degrees, and near zero in some locations. These conditions pose a risk for frostbite and hypothermia with prolonged exposure.
Saturday will feel dramatically colder despite sunshine, as strong winds persist. Outdoor plans should be limited, and residents are urged to dress in layers, secure loose objects, and check on vulnerable neighbors and pets. Sensitive infrastructure, including exposed pipes, may also be at risk.
While today may feel deceptively pleasant, the rapid transition to winter-like extremes makes preparation critical. Winter jackets should stay close, travel plans should be adjusted, and residents should remain weather-aware as this high-impact cold event unfolds across eastern North Carolina.
