North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia Face Major Winter Storm With Heavy Snow, Blizzard Winds and Dangerous Coastal Flooding This Weekend
UNITED STATES — A powerful and rapidly intensifying winter storm is expected to bring significant snow, damaging winds, blizzard conditions, and major coastal flooding across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia from Friday afternoon through Sunday night, according to the latest outlook from the National Weather Service and Weather Prediction Center.
Forecast data shows this system deepening just off the North Carolina coast, allowing moisture and Arctic air to combine across the Southern Appalachians, the Carolinas, and southern Virginia, creating a high-impact, multi-hazard winter event.
Heavy Snow and Major Travel Disruptions Expected
Snowfall probabilities increase sharply from west to east, with the highest confidence for significant accumulations across central and eastern North Carolina, parts of South Carolina, and into southern Virginia.
- The risk of more than 8 inches of snow exceeds 50% in portions of North Carolina and southern Virginia
- Snowfall rates may become heavy at times, leading to rapid accumulation
- Travel conditions could deteriorate quickly, especially Friday night into Saturday
By Saturday, snow bands are expected to intensify across the Carolinas before expanding northeastward into Virginia.
Blizzard Conditions Likely Along the Coast
Strong pressure differences between the deepening storm and Arctic high pressure will generate powerful winds, particularly near the coast.
- Blizzard or near-blizzard conditions are likely from the North Carolina Outer Banks northward toward the Delmarva region
- Blowing snow will sharply reduce visibility
- Dangerous driving conditions and possible road closures are expected
These impacts will be most severe Saturday afternoon into Sunday.
Major Coastal Flooding Threat for North Carolina and Virginia
Storm-force winds coinciding with astronomical high tides raise a serious flooding concern.
- Major coastal flooding is possible from the Outer Banks of North Carolina to the Virginia Capes
- Beach erosion and overwash may occur in vulnerable coastal areas
- Moderate coastal flooding could extend farther north along the Atlantic coastline
Communities near the coast should prepare for significant water intrusion and infrastructure impacts.
Dangerous Cold Lingers After the Storm
Behind the system, Arctic air will surge into the region.
- Wind chills will drop sharply following the storm
- Cold conditions may persist into early next week
- Icy roads and refreezing will remain a concern even after snowfall ends
What Residents Should Prepare For
- Hazardous to impossible travel conditions
- Power outages due to wind and heavy snow
- Coastal flooding and shoreline impacts
- Prolonged cold following the storm
Residents across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia are urged to closely monitor local forecasts and prepare for rapidly changing conditions.
Stay Weather-Aware
This winter storm has the potential to cause widespread disruptions across the eastern United States, particularly in the Carolinas and Virginia. Continue following official updates and advisories as the situation evolves.
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