NORTH CAROLINA — Forecasters are monitoring the potential for a winter weather system that could impact North Carolina this weekend, with the highest concern focused on eastern portions of the state, according to the National Weather Service office in Newport/Morehead City.
The National Weather Service says the system is expected to affect the region Saturday and Sunday, bringing the potential for snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding. Current forecasts indicate that much of eastern North Carolina now has a greater than 60 percent chance of experiencing at least moderate winter weather impacts, with probabilities trending higher over the past 24 hours.
Moderate impacts could include hazardous winter driving conditions, road closures, and disruptions to daily life and infrastructure. Forecasters caution that conditions could worsen depending on how the storm develops.
Meteorologists say the highest confidence at this time is in the timing of the system, the likelihood of strong winds—especially along the coast—and marine hazards such as large waves and the potential for coastal flooding. However, snowfall and ice accumulation remain uncertain.
The final track of the storm will play a key role in determining impacts across North Carolina. Forecast models currently show multiple possible scenarios. One track could bring warmer air and more rain inland with a mix of snow and ice, while another track could produce more widespread snow across the state. A third scenario would keep the storm farther offshore, limiting impacts.
Currently, the GFS model pictured above is being the most generous with snow totals showing over two feet of snow in central North Carolina and at least 5+ inches for the entire state.
It’s important to note that this is just a model run and not a forecast. Things can and will change.
The National Weather Service emphasized that it is still too early to determine exact snowfall or ice amounts. Officials noted that the most accurate snow and ice forecasts are typically made within a couple of days of a storm.
Residents are urged to monitor forecast updates closely as the weekend approaches and to stay informed through official weather sources.
