A winter storm is expected to bring a bed of snow, sleet, and ice to eastern North Carolina starting on Wednesday morning, with hazardous conditions likely to persist Thursday. Many counties may face travel difficulties due to power outages, tree damage, and perilous road conditions.
Newport/Morehead City is anticipated to receive snowfall ranging from 2 to 4 inches, with ice formations reaching three-tenths of an inch, as per the National Weather Service (NWS).
The storm’s start time is set for 7 a.m. ET. It will run through 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Thursday. Those traveling through affected areas should be wary of potentially hazardous travel conditions, particularly during peak hours on Wednesday morning and evening.
Officials suggest that local residents avoid travel and keep emergency supplies like flashlights, food, and water at all times. The latest road conditions can be known by calling on 511 as soon as possible.
More than 6,000 individuals have lost their lives, and more than 480,000 people are injured each year due to weather-related vehicle accidents across the nation. When traveling in snow or freezing rain, take a step back and slow down.
If it’s freezing outside, the safest thing is to remain indoors, think twice that the ice is all over the road, and drive accordingly.
Sleet, snow, and freezing rain are anticipated to cause problems that will likely hinder travel until Friday. On the night of Thursday, meteorologist Kweilyn Murphy of ABC11 predicted that temperatures would hike above freezing, resulting in the accumulation of black ice from Thursday to Friday.
It is most likely that icy roads can become a challenge. The schools have already announced their non-functionality and delays. Fortunately, the temperature will rise to 50 degrees by the weekend’s end.
Regional Impacts
- Charlotte: The city has already been blanketed with over 6 inches of snow, with a current temperature of 18°F and even colder wind chills.
- Greensboro and Winston-Salem: These cities have seen snow accumulations of around 4 to 5 inches, with temperatures dropping to the low teens.
- Raleigh: The city is experiencing freezing rain, increasing the risk of black ice on roads.
Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay informed about the latest weather updates. Utility crews are on standby to address potential power outages.