A winter storm brought heavy snow and dangerously cold temperatures to Western North Carolina on Friday night into Saturday, January 30-31, prompting a winter storm warning until 7 a.m. Sunday, February 1. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of extreme cold, with wind chills as low as 20 below zero, posing risks of frostbite and hypothermia.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The NWS issued multiple advisories, including an extreme cold warning and wind advisory, which remain in effect until 1 p.m. on February 1. Snowfall totals varied across the region, with some areas receiving up to 4 inches, while others faced black ice and gusting winds up to 60 mph, creating potential blizzard conditions.
Deeper Dive & Context
Regional Impact
The storm affected multiple states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia. In North Carolina, the mountains and foothills saw light snow and black ice, while the eastern Piedmont and Coastal Plain received up to 2 inches of snow. The NWS advised residents to delay travel due to hazardous conditions.
Safety Precautions
The NWS urged residents to prepare for emergencies, including keeping flashlights, non-perishable food, and water in vehicles. Pets and livestock were also at risk if left unprotected in the extreme cold.
Forecast Details
The storm brought varying snowfall totals across the state, with some coastal counties receiving up to 4 inches. Winds gusting up to 60 mph in Eastern Carteret County created whiteout conditions, making travel potentially life-threatening.
Public Response
Local authorities and media outlets encouraged residents to stay informed through weather alerts and updates. The Citizen-Times app and email news alerts were promoted as resources for real-time information.