Wilmington, NC – A rare and potentially historic winter storm is expected to bring significant snowfall and dangerous cold to southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina this weekend, with impacts lasting into early next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, confidence is high that a powerful Nor’easter will move through the region Saturday into Sunday, delivering accumulating snow and extreme cold conditions. Forecasters say some communities may experience snowfall amounts not seen in more than 30 years.
Meteorologists classify the system as a “Miller-A” storm, a classic East Coast Nor’easter that combines deep moisture with sustained cold air. While these systems are common during winter, it is rare for both ingredients to align over the Cape Fear, Grand Strand, and Pee Dee regions at the same time.
An Extreme Cold Watch is in effect for the entire forecast area, with the coldest conditions expected Saturday night and Sunday night. Wind chills could fall to near 0 degrees or below, particularly inland. For comparison, Wilmington International Airport has not recorded a wind chill colder than -1 degrees since January 1994.
Snowfall totals remain a key uncertainty, but confidence in impactful accumulation continues to increase. Forecasters say low-end totals would still bring 1 to 3 inches of snow across northeast South Carolina and 2 to 4 inches across southeast North Carolina. The official forecast calls for 3 to 6 inches in northeast South Carolina and 4 to 6 inches in southeast North Carolina, with localized higher totals possible.
A higher-end scenario, while less likely, could produce several additional inches where heavier snow bands set up. Officials caution that even small shifts in storm track could lead to sharp differences in snowfall totals over short distances.
Travel disruptions are likely, especially with cold temperatures limiting snow melt. Residents are urged to prepare now, limit travel if possible, and monitor updated forecasts through the weekend.
