8am (2/20) Update: Potential for Winter Weather - Thurs & Fri | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    There were several changes to this morning's update pertaining to the onset and accumulation of snow. The following should now be expected for Beaufort County.

• Rain will continue to move into our area and is expected to be widespread by noon. The rain is expected to transition to snow around 5pm, with accumulations beginning to occur around sunset as ground temperatures approach freezing. Our heaviest snow falls are expected to occur between 7pm and 1am, with most areas receiving 3" +/- during this time. Areas west of Bayview / Blounts Creek are expected to receive 4 - 6" of accumulation, with areas east forecasted to receive 3 - 4". Areas north and west of Hwy 264 and 99 could receive localized higher amounts of 8" +/- depending on the track of heavier bands.
• All precipitation should be clear of Beaufort County by sunrise Friday. Some melting is expected to occur on Friday as we reach highs near 38. However, temperatures are expected to drop into the low 20s Friday night, causing a refreeze of any remnants. This will make roadways and walking surfaces very treacherous though Friday night and the early morning hours of Saturday.
• Areas west of Bath / Blounts Creek are expected to receive sustained NE winds at 10- 15 mph beginning at 12 pm Thursday. Areas east are expected to experience 15 - 20 mph winds. These winds will transition from NE to N through Friday morning, and are not expected to subside until late Friday night / Saturday morning. Gust 25 mph are possible during this time. Localized flooding / inundation is possible in areas prone to these conditions.

    The next webinar from the NWS is scheduled for 5pm today, and can be accessed using the following link.

    WFO NWS Morehead City Winter Storm Webinar Number #3 (Thursday 3 PM):     https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8744010660937065485

    Our next informational update is scheduled for 6pm.

    Attached you can find our 4th briefing on the upcoming winter storm. Confidence and snow totals have increased, with the potential for 4-6" of snow across portions of Eastern NC. (Additional snowfall graphics can be found on our winter page HERE.)

    Additionally, other hazards are expected including minor coastal flooding across the southern Pamlico Sound, and strong winds along the coast gusting to 40-50 mph.

• Chris Newkirk
• Deputy Director
• Beaufort County Emergency Services
• 1420 Highland Dr
• Washington, N.C. 27889
• Office: (252)940-6511
• Cell: (252) 378-5352
• Chris.Newkirk@co.beaufort.nc.us