The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for eastern North Carolina this weekend with the potential for significant accumulating snow.
Forecasters say that localized blizzard conditions are possible along the coast if the storm strengthens and the higher-end snowfall projections occur.
The storm will start on Saturday as rain and will shift to snow as the temperatures drop. The highest amount of snowfall is expected to be from Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Strong winds with gusts up to 60 mph are expected along the Outer Banks which will likely lead to moderate to locally significant coastal flooding impacts both oceanside and soundside. Dangerous marine conditions expected across the coastal waters and sounds.
Travelers should expect some suspensions of ferry services.
Local government officials are urging the public to avoid travel when possible and to be prepared for an extended period of travel issues due to the cold temperatures forecast to remain in place into next week. An emergency travel kit list is posted below and important for those who may become stranded on the road.
The weather service’s wind chill chart shows single-digit or teen wind chills possible at times across the region from Saturday through Tuesday, depending on location.
The NWS has issued a new tool—a video, below–to inform the public to help all prepare for the pending storm. To view, click Watch on YouTube.
