Elizabeth City, North Carolina – A powerful winter storm is setting up to deliver some of the heaviest snowfall northeastern North Carolina has seen in years, with localized totals approaching 20 inches possible by Sunday as intense snow bands sweep across the region.
Snow is expected to develop Friday evening and intensify overnight, becoming heavy at times Saturday into Saturday night. According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, widespread totals of 8 to 14 inches are likely across much of northeastern North Carolina, with isolated amounts up to 18–20 inches possible where narrow bands of heavy snowfall persist, especially near the Albemarle Sound and Outer Banks region.
Strong northerly winds gusting 25 to 35 mph, with isolated gusts near 40 mph, will combine with heavy snow to produce blowing and drifting, sharply reducing visibility on roadways including US-17, US-158, and NC-32. Travel may become dangerous or impossible at times from late Friday night through Sunday morning. NCDOT officials warn that prolonged road closures are possible if snowfall rates exceed one to two inches per hour.
The storm will also usher in dangerous cold. An Extreme Cold Watch is in effect late Saturday night into Sunday morning, with wind chills dropping to 5 to 10 degrees below zero. According to emergency management officials, scattered power outages may occur due to falling trees and heavy snow loading on lines.
Residents are urged to complete preparations before Friday evening, avoid non-essential travel, charge devices, protect pipes, and ensure pets remain indoors. Conditions are expected to slowly improve late Sunday, but black ice will remain a concern into early next week.
