Beaufort, NC – A Freeze Warning is in effect for parts of coastal North Carolina from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. Tuesday, as temperatures are expected to fall into the 30–31 degree range, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City. The warning covers Pamlico County and East Carteret County, including communities such as Beaufort, Harkers Island, Oriental, Arapahoe, Bayboro, and Cedar Island.
According to NWS Newport/Morehead City, sub-freezing temperatures could damage or kill crops, sensitive vegetation, and unprotected outdoor plumbing. The cold temperatures mark a significant shift for coastal areas that typically remain warmer due to their proximity to the water. Winds are expected to remain light overnight, allowing temperatures to drop efficiently toward sunrise.
In Pamlico County, temperatures are forecast to fall to around 30 degrees, while East Carteret County is expected to reach 31 degrees. These values meet freeze-warning criteria for coastal regions, where growing seasons often extend later into the fall.
Residents are urged to take protective measures ahead of the cold plunge. Recommended steps include covering tender outdoor plants, bringing potted plants indoors, and insulating exposed pipes or outdoor faucets. Farmers and gardeners should take extra precautions to prevent crop damage, especially for late-season vegetables or sensitive ornamentals.
The coldest temperatures will occur between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m., with readings gradually rising after sunrise. No precipitation is expected during the warning period, allowing frost to form in sheltered areas.
Communities across the lower Neuse River region, Core Sound, and surrounding coastal towns should prepare now for potentially damaging cold.
