A winter storm is expected to impact Eastern North Carolina, with heavy snow developing from around midnight to 4 a.m. Snowfall rates will reach 0.5-1 inch per hour in the heaviest bands, with coastal areas experiencing the snow for a longer duration. Winter weather alerts are in effect for much of the region.
Snow accumulations near Interstate 95 will likely range from a dusting to an inch, while areas farther east could see up to 2-3 inches. Regions along and east of Highway 17 won’t see the snow end until just before sunrise, with widespread accumulations of 2-4 inches expected. Some areas along the immediate coastline could even experience up to 6 inches or more. Extremely cold temperatures will make roads hazardous soon after the snow begins, with slick conditions lasting throughout Wednesday, Wednesday night, and into Thursday morning.
While the snow is an exciting event for many, the extremely cold temperatures will bring significant challenges. Wind chills on Tuesday morning will dip below 15°F, and the combination of frigid air and moisture can lead to frozen pipes. Residents are urged to take precautions to protect pipes, pets, and plants. Additionally, many bodies of water may develop thin ice, and children should be reminded that it will not be thick enough to safely walk on.
By Wednesday morning, wind chill values will remain low, with most areas experiencing wind chills below 10°F. Even with slightly weaker winds in some areas, it will still feel like temperatures between 10-15°F. Breezy conditions will continue to keep wind chills in the 20s throughout the day, potentially colder if snow accumulates on the ground.
Thursday morning will bring even colder conditions, with temperatures in the teens and wind chills between 10-20°F. However, by the weekend, the cold will start to ease, and temperatures will rise to the 40s and 50s. Residents are advised to stay warm and take necessary safety precautions during this cold snap. For real-time updates, residents can rely on the WITN First Alert Weather App.
