Key Highlights
- North Carolina sees measurable snow starting Saturday with gusty winds and extreme cold following.
- Winter storm warning in effect for central North Carolina, with up to 10 inches of snow expected.
- Schools and organizations across the Triangle cancel classes and events ahead of the weekend’s snowstorm.
- Governor Josh Stein declares a state of emergency, urging residents to prepare for potential power outages and coastal flooding.
Winter Storm Brings Chill to North Carolina
Saturday marks the beginning of what promises to be an icy weekend in central North Carolina. A winter storm warning is already in effect, with measurable snowfall expected to hit parts of the state. According to WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell, the Triangle region can expect 3-6 inches of snow accumulation by Saturday afternoon and evening.
While the initial projections seem promising for a powder-filled weekend, dry air early on is cutting into the total amount we initially projected. “Overnight, we will see some patchy areas of light snow,” Campbell noted. “The heavier stuff is likely to come Saturday afternoon into Saturday night.”
Schools and Communities Prepare
Local schools and organizations are already canceling classes and events in anticipation of the weekend’s weather. The Durham and Wake County school systems have canceled all weekend activities, and local colleges like North Carolina Central University, UNC Chapel Hill, and Duke University have suspended operations through Sunday.
The governor, Josh Stein, took the opportunity to urge residents statewide to prepare for accumulating snow, high winds, bitter cold, and potential power outages. “Stay off the roads during the storm,” he warned, adding that whiteout conditions could make travel difficult. The Department of Transportation has already begun pre-treating roads with brine to ensure emergency services can continue their work.
Outlook for Coastal Areas
The Outer Banks face a different kind of weather challenge, as the storm is expected to bring two to four feet of inundation and five to 12-foot waves in the surf zone. Duke Energy’s Jeff Brooks warned that gusts stronger than 29 miles per hour could cause small to midsize outages across the state. “Not big clusters, you know, maybe a few thousand people out in various places,” he said.
Winter conditions will also bring extreme cold on Sunday morning, with wind chills dropping toward zero degrees. Kids and outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to bundle up and take warm breaks inside if they plan to play in the snow. Meteorologist Mike Maze warned of isolated power outages over the weekend due to gusty winds reaching 25 to 35 miles per hour.
Conclusion
The winter storm is set to impact North Carolina significantly, with measurable snow expected and strong gusts following close behind. As residents prepare for what could be a challenging weekend, it’s crucial to stay informed and follow local advisories. Whether you’re planning a snow day or bracing for potential outages, this storm will likely leave its mark on the state.
