A major winter storm is forecast to impact southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina, bringing heavy snow, extreme cold, and hazardous travel conditions this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service Wilmington, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect for much of the region from Saturday evening through Sunday, with snowfall totals highly dependent on band placement. Official forecasts call for 6 to 10 inches of snow across coastal and inland areas, while localized bands could push totals as high as 12 to 14 inches, particularly near Interstate 95 and I-40 corridors.
The Weather Service notes a 10% chance of higher-end snowfall amounts, underscoring the potential for sharp differences in accumulation over short distances. Snowfall rates may exceed 1 inch per hour Saturday night, creating near-whiteout conditions and rapidly deteriorating road conditions along I-95, I-40, US-74, and US-17.
Following the snow, an Extreme Cold Warning is expected to take effect Saturday evening through Sunday morning, with temperatures falling into the single digits and teens. Wind chills may drop even lower, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
A Cold Weather Advisory is also in place for surrounding counties earlier Saturday, with dangerously cold air arriving before snowfall begins. Coastal waters are under a Gale Warning, as strong winds and building seas create hazardous marine conditions.
Forecasters emphasize that this storm features unusually high snow-to-liquid ratios, meaning the snow will be light, fluffy, and prone to blowing and drifting, unlike typical wet Carolina snow. This will complicate cleanup efforts and extend travel impacts into early next week.
Residents are urged to complete preparations before Saturday evening, avoid unnecessary travel during the storm, and monitor official updates at weather.gov/ilm for location-specific forecasts.
