Winter Storm - January 20, 2022 - PM Update | Eastern North Carolina Now

News Release:


Click image and here to access PDF: Above.

    Good Afternoon Everyone,

    The latest update from the National Weather Service (NWS) can be found in the email below and attached briefing. Notable changes to the forecast for Beaufort County included:

  • A slight shift northwest in the snow / ice line, resulting in changes to the anticipated snow and ice accumulations for areas of Beaufort County.
  • Minor timing changes for the onset and departure of freezing rain, sleet and snow.

    Details of how these changes impacted the forecast for Beaufort County have been highlighted below.

   

Current Forecast for Beaufort County



    Precipitation

    This system will actually bring two (2) rounds of precipitation. The first will continue through the evening with rain likely after 7pm. Rain is expected to continue through 1am Friday as the cold front approaches and temps drop below freezing. A transition to freezing rain is expected to occur around 1am Friday morning and continue through 7am before changing to sleet, with 0.03 inches forecasted for the morning commute hours.

    The daylight hours of Friday is when the first wave of precipitation exits, and the 2nd wave enters as a low pressure moves through our area. This change will most likely present with periods of light or no precipitation between sunrise and noon Friday. However, any precipitation that does fall will most likely be sleet with a light mix of snow, especially after 11am.

    The second, and heavier round of precipitation is expected to enter our area around 2pm Friday as sleet and continue through 7pm. A transition to snow is expected after 7pm, and will continue through sunrise Saturday. Our heaviest period of snowfall is expected between 7pm and midnight Friday.

    Accumulations

    Accumulation totals have been one of the more inconsistent items with forecast models so far, and could literally change by the mile. The current forecast suggest the following:

  • Ice Accumulations: Generally speaking, the further north and west you are, the less ice you will receive, with areas northwest of Chocowinity Bay, Goose Creek, Terra Ceia and Pantego are forecasted to receive up to 1/10th of an inch of ice through Saturday. Areas southeast are forecasted to receive between 1/10th and 1 / 4 inch of ice, with areas southwest of Aurora now forecasted to receive 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Again, this ice accumulation is primarily expected early Friday afternoon / evening.
  • Snow Accumulation: In terms of snow, the further north and west you are, the more snow you are likely to get. Areas north of Old Ford, Long Acre and Pungo River could receive between 3 and 4 inches of snow. The center section of our county up to Durham Creek and Pamlico Beach could receive 2 to 3 inches, with areas southeast of this line receiving 1 to 2 inches. Again, snow accumulation is primarily expected late Friday night through sunrise Saturday.

    Winds

    Northeast winds will begin to increase after 5pm today, becoming sustained between 10 and 15 mph through 2pm on Saturday. Frequent gust between 15 and 20 mph are expected for areas west of Blounts Creek, Bunyan and Pinetown. Areas east of this point are forecasted to receive frequent gusts between 20 and 25 mph.

    These winds along with below freezing temperatures will create windchills in the mid-teens, low twenties through sunrise Sunday.

    Anticipated Hazards / Things To Prepare For

  • Dangerous Road Conditions: We anticipate road conditions will deteriorate quickly Friday morning and remain treacherous through the weekend as temps are expected to remain at or below freezing through 10am Sunday. We encourage everyone to avoid any unnecessary travel during this time.
  • Power Outages: While the forecasted ice accumulations have improved for parts of our county, power outages are still possible and expected. Please ensure that you, your family ,friends and neighbors are prepared to withstand cold temperatures and other winter elements in the event of a power outage.
  • Cold Temperatures: Again, temperatures are expected to be at or below freezing from midnight Thursday through mid-morning Sunday. Please make the necessary arrangements to provide safety for outdoor pets / livestock, and protect any vulnerable infrastructure such as exposed water lines from freezing. We also encourage everyone to dress appropriately when going outdoors, and use caution when walking on frozen surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, entry steps, etc.


    Our next update is scheduled for 8am Friday morning. We encourage everyone to continue to monitor local media outlets for more frequent updates. NWS staff will also be hosting virtual weather updates at 9:30 am and 4:30pm each day as follows. Register here for all webinars: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4999596340234657804

    Friday Jan 21st at 930 AM

    As always, thank you all for what you do to keep Beaufort County informed, prepared and safe. Feel free to contact us if we can help in any way.


    Chris Newkirk
       Deputy Director,     Beaufort County Emergency Services

    1420 Highland Dr
    Washington, NC 27889

       Office: (252) 940-6511  •  Cell: (252) 378-5352



    Good afternoon,

    Please find the latest weather briefing for the winter storm attached.

    Here are the changes from the previous briefing:

  • Northern Outer Banks Dare County was upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning
  • Updated ice forecast - increased totals for portions of the Crystal Coast
  • Small tweaks to snow forecast
  • Added timing slides for when rain changes to snow/ice
  • Minor soundside coastal flooding concerns for southern Hatteras Island, Ocracoke Island, soundside southern Craven County, and soundside Eastern Carteret County
  • Minor oceanside coastal flooding concerns for northern Outer Banks Dare County.

    Confidence is now HIGH that this event will occur and HIGH on expected impacts. Significant ice amounts are forecasted.

    The next briefing is scheduled by 8 am Friday morning.

    As always, please call our office if you have any questions (252-223-5737 ext. 6).

    Regards,

      NWS Morehead City

      NOAA - National Weather Service

      Newport/Morehead City, NC Weather Forecast Office
      533 Roberts Rd
      Newport, NC 28570
      Phone: 252-223-5737
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