NWS Wilmington, NC

Weather Forecast Office

Winter Weather Preparedness for northeast South Carolina and southeast North Carolina

Winter Weather Preparedness Week for North & South Carolina

December 1st - 7th, 2024

Please join us in promoting winter weather safety during this year's "Winter Weather Preparedness Week". The National Weather Service asks emergency management, public safety officials, local media and Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors to help join forces in improving the nation's readiness, responsiveness, and overall resilience against extreme weather during the winter weather season.

Visit https://www.weather.gov/wrn/winter_safety for additional National Weather Service Winter Weather Preparedness & Safety information and material.

Visit https://www.weather.gov/ilm/winter for current winter weather forecast, local winter climatology, and additional information.

Click on the tabs below for more winter weather preparedness information.

Winter Season Outlook and Winter Weather Terminology

This will provide you with some terms the National Weather Service uses to describe winter weather as well as the definitions of watches, warnings, and advisories issued for winter weather events.

View the full winter outlook for Northeastern SC and Southeastern NC here.

Watches are issued when a storm is in its early stage of development, and may create conditions that may harm life and property. Hazardous winter weather is only a possibility, not a certainty.

The following are the watch headlines issued for winter weather events:

Winter Storm Watch is issued when heavy snow, damaging ice accumulations, or blizzard conditions are possible. Winter storm watches are typically issued 24 to 48 hours before a winter storm starts. Watches are issued when at least 2 inches of snow, and/or 1/4 inch or more of ice accumulation is expected in a 12 to 24 hour period.
Extreme Cold Watch is issued when dangerously cold temperatures are possible typically in the next 12 to 48 hours. (*new for 2024)

Warnings are issued when the threat to life and property is imminent or has already begun from severe winter weather.

The following are the warning headlines issued for winter weather events:

Winter Storm Warning is issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet or any combination thereof, is imminent or occurring. Winter storm warnings are typically issued 12 to 36 hours before the event is expected to start.
Ice Storm Warning is issued when damaging ice accumulations are expected within the next 12 to 36 hours.
Blizzard Warning is issued when sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more prevail, combined with falling or blowing snow, visibility of one quarter of a mile or less, and last for at least 3 hours.
Extreme Cold Warning is issued when extreme cold conditions are expected. This may result in frostbite, hypothermia, or even death when exposed in this type of condition for an extended period of time. These are issued when temperatures are expected to be less than or equal to 5°F. (*new for 2024)

Advisories are issued for less serious weather conditions that will not cause immediate threat to life and property. Advisories will be issued when weather conditions will impact motorists, outdoor activities, or public events. These events could become life-threatening if proper precautions are not taken.

The following are the advisory headlines issued for winter weather events:

Winter Weather Advisory is issued for accumulations of snow, lake effect snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, or sleet, that will create inconveniences. During an advisory, if caution is not exercised, life and property may be threatened. Snow of a coasting to less than 2" and any amount of ice accretion.
Cold Weather Advisory is issued when cold temperatures create inconvenience to life with prolonged exposure. If caution is not exercised, hypothermia and frostbite may occur. Issued for temperatures less than or equal to 15 degree but not colder than 6°F. (*new for 2024)

Winter Weather Patterns Affecting South & North Carolina

The most common and dangerous winter weather systems which can produce snow and ice are strong coastal low pressure systems known as nor'easters. This was the case almost 4 years ago on January 3rd - 4th, 2018 when 2 to 5 inches of snow fell across our area. In addition, we can often experience a period of very cold weather behind the system. This happened with the early January 2018 storm when many locations had morning lows in the teens behind the system and even into single digits inland. In fact some areas had snow and ice covered roads for days! Who says the eastern Carolinas can't experience winter?

Winter storms can make driving and walking extremely dangerous. The aftermath of a major winter storm can have a devastating impact for days or even weeks. Winter storms can be deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. People die in traffic accidents on icy roads, have heart attacks while shoveling snow, or succumb to fires or carbon monoxide while trying to heat their home improperly. With proper planning and preparation, you can limit or even mitigate the impacts from winter storms.

Winter infographics

Preparing Your Home For Winter

Stock an emergency supply of food and water prior to the onset of a winter storm. Include food items which require no cooking such as canned meats, peanut butter and other non-perishables. Also do not forget to have necessary medicines and baby items on hand. A three to five day supply of food and medicine is generally sufficient. A lot of these items may already be in your home from your hurricane kit.

Severe winter storms can produce conditions which can isolate you in your home for several days. Prolonged loss of power and telephone services can severely limit your ability to heat your home and call for help. In severe winter storms, obtaining supplies, food and other necessities can be hampered or prevented by poor road conditions.

Example home emergency supply kit

Winter infographics

Driving in Winter Weather

Seventy-five percent of all winter weather related deaths occur on the road, either in accidents or by people becoming stranded. When the weather is bad and driving conditions are poor, the best bet is to stay at home

Make sure your car is in good running condition. Make sure that your battery, antifreeze, windshield wipers, ignition and thermostat are all in good working order. Be sure your tires have enough tread. Replace any of these items if necessary.
If you must go out when snow and ice are on the ground, let someone know your destination and when you plan to arrive. Also take a cell phone with you if possible.
Clean snow and ice off all parts of your car before you drive away.
Keep your gas tank as full as possible when snow and ice are forecast. This will not only give you added peace of mind, it also increases the weight of your car and this will provide additional traction.
Keep the following basic items in your car - windshield scraper and brush, booster/jumper cables, a tow chain or rope, bag of sand or salt, blankets, flashlight, first aid kit and road map.
Overall drive slow. Driving at even posted speeds is extremely dangerous when snow and ice are on the road. Many vehicles will lose traction especially at higher speeds resulting in serious accident and vehicle rollovers.
Steer your car into the skid. If your vehicle loses traction and begins to skid, steer the front tires into the direction of the skid. Never hit your brakes as this will result in a more serious skid and spinning of the vehicle. When your vehicle skids keep your cool and remain calm. Again driving at slower speeds will help you recover from a skid.

Snow Squalls

Snow squalls are one of the most dangerous winter weather phenomena. Snow squalls are often associated with strong cold fronts and are a key winter weather hazard. Sudden whiteout conditions, gusty winds, and falling temperatures produce icy roads in just a few minutes. There is no safe place on a highway during a snow squall. Unfortunately, there is a long history of deadly traffic accidents associated with snow squalls. Similar to summertime thunderstorms, snow squalls often happen on days with partly cloudy skies. In a matter of minutes, a pleasant day with sunny skies can change to whiteout conditions. This is part of what makes snow squalls so dangerous.

If your plans this winter include driving up north, know what to do if a snow squall approaches. The National Weather Service issues Snow Squall Warnings when snow squalls are imminent. You will receive a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) for a Snow Squall Warning in which snow squalls are expected to pose a SUBSTANTIAL threat to safe travel. If your phone goes off, take the Warning seriously and delay travel or exit as soon as possible! Remember, there is NO safe place on a highway during a snow squall. For more information on snow squalls, check out this great safety page from NWS State College, PA: https://www.weather.gov/ctp/snowsquall.

Winter infographics

Excessive Cold/Reducing the Fire Risk in Your Home

Cold weather is a fact of winter. With the cold temperatures comes an increase in the number of house fires. House fires resulting from heating material within the home ranks second for the most deaths and property loss. Chimney fires are the number one cause of home heating fires and typically the result of a poorly maintained chimney where creosote is allowed to build up. Space heaters are typically involved in 25 perfect of home heating fires and account for 74 percent of the deaths. Be sure to test some detectors and replace any broken detectors and dead batteries.

Winter infographics

Become a Winter Weather Observer

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

To accurately understand what is happening across our area in real time, we rely on YOU, the community, to report all types of weather to us, including rain and snowfall reports. This can be done via our spotter network, social media, or email. We can't stress how much these real time, ground truth, reports, help us at the office.

If you're looking for something to do on a more consistent basis, have you ever heard of CoCoRaHS? Citizen scientists wishing to report snow and rainfall amounts are encouraged to join the community collaborative, rain, hail and snow network. Daily reports are sent via the internet and used by the National Weather Service and other agencies daily. For more information please visit: http://www.cocorahs.org.

Saturday

Dangers associated with freezing rain and sleet

Ice falling in the form of freezing rain is particularly dangerous and poses a variety of problems. The ability of freezing rain to accumulate on nearly every surface, including trees, power lines, and bridges, makes it one of the most dangerous forms of winter weather. As little as a quarter of an inch of freezing rain can create widespread power outages. On February 17th of 2015, inland areas of southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina saw widespread freezing rain of up to a half an inch of ice which created power outages.

When driving, ice can be very difficult to recognize. The roadway may appear to be wet when in reality when appears to be water may actually be ice. If the temperature outside is below freezing, ice can form on the roads, especially on bridges and overpasses. When encountering ice, do not panic and do not stomp on your brakes. It is safer to slowly decelerate to a stop.

Winter infographics

Deaf & Hard of Hearing

View additional ASL videos at https://www.weather.gov/wrn/winter-deaf-sm.

Winter Storm Safety (ASL Video)

Winter storms can be just as hazardous as any other type of weather, and it's important to be prepared. Learn how to prepare NOW with this video in American Sign Language.

Check out this video in American Sign Language from the National Weather Service
to learn about what you need to know for winter storms: youtu.be/V-t-9R2o8No

Tornado Safety (ASL Video)

You may only have seconds to get to your safe place when the next tornado occurs!

Learn where to shelter and how to get warning information from the National Weather Service with this video in American Sign Language!
youtu.be/aEPC5F4Zios

See a Flash, Dash Inside (ASL Video)

If you are outdoors and see a flash of lightning or feel the rumble of thunder, dash inside immediately! Check out our Lightning Safety video in American Sign Language and captioned in English!

Flood Safety Video (ASL Video)

Did you know flooding is the leading cause of death due to storms? Learn more about Flood Safety with this video in American Sign Language and captioned in English! youtu.be/RUf3ErtEbG4

NOAA Weather Radio (ASL Video)

NOAA Weather Radios receive warnings, watches, forecasts, and other hazard information 24 hours a day. Why would Deaf people want a radio? They can be used as a way to alert you or wake you up at night! Some come with flashing lights, vibrating alarm attachments, and color displays with text readouts for use by those with hearing loss. youtu.be/A4izxOnKnug

General Safety and Preparedness Tips (ASL Video)

Having a plan is important in times of emergency, and this includes building an emergency preparedness kit before a disaster. Learn how with this video in American Sign Language.
youtu.be/XWEvqy0e9-0

Winter Preparedness (Español)

Preparación para El Invierno

Contenido adicional disponible en www.weather.gov/wrn/spanish.

Acondicione Su Casa Para el Invierno (Winterize Your Home)

A medida que se acerca el invierno, hay pasos que puede seguir para preparar su hogar para el tiempo frío que se avecina. Obtenga más información ene que un puente esté helado, ¡REDUCE TU VELOCIDAD! Y hazlo antes de cruzar el puente - frenar sobre hielo es peligroso.

Vestirse para el Frío - Infografía (Dressing for the Cold - Infographic)

Abrigándose en capas y manteniéndose seco es una de las mejores cosas que puede hacer para mantenerse seguro este invierno. Protégete del frío este invierno.

Infografía de Hipotermia (Hypothermia Infographic)

Si nota que alguien muestra signos de hipotermia, llévelo a un lugar cálido inmediatamente.

El Invierno y Las Mascotas (Winter and Pets)

¡No se olvide de sus mascotas este invierno! Asegúrese de que tengan un lugar cálido y seco para descansar, con abundante agua y comida.

Después de la Tormenta: Cortes De Energia (After the Winter Storm: Power Outage)

Los cortes de energía son comunes después de una gran tormenta de invierno. Si pierde energía, asegúrese de tener cuidado al usar fuentes alternativas de calor y practique la seguridad del generador portátil. Una vez que usted y su familia estén a salvo, consulte con otras personas en su vecindario para asegurarse de que estén bien.

Tormentas de Hielo (Ice Storms)

¿Está lista su casa para una tormenta de hielo? Las tormentas de hielo pueden causar apagones eléctricos de varios días, impactando su casa además de áreas colindantes - por eso es importante tener suficiente comida y medicamentos para durar una semana. ¿Qué más necesitarías?

Las ramas de los árboles se rompen fácilmente durante tormentas de hielo, así que pode ramas débiles o dañadas cerca de su vivienda y evite aparcar debajo de un árbol. No deje los limpiaparabrisas extendidos al aparcar...a pesar de ser una práctica común, dejarlos extendidos aumenta el riesgo de que se dañen. Aprende más sobre seguridad durante tormentas de hielo:

Hielo Negro o Fino en Pavimento (Black Ice)

Cuando se mezclan temperaturas heladas con lluvia reciente o nieve derretida, se puede crear una capa fina de hielo - y podría ser casi invisible. Estas capas finas de hielo (o hielo negro) suelen ser más comunes por las noches, y pueden permanecer hasta la mañana. Evita conducir de ser posible...no dejes que te sorprenda.

Lluvia Helada (Freezing Rain)

Comparado con una tormenta de nieve típica, la lluvia helada es mucho más peligrosa - especialmente en carreteras. Aunque las dos son peligrosas, es mucho más fácil perder el control de tu vehículo sobre pavimento helado, al igual que el riesgo de caída de ramas y tendido eléctrico. En definitiva: No conduzcas cuando cae (o cayó recientemente) lluvia helada.

Palear de Forma Inteligente (Smart Shoveling)

Las aceras y carreteras resbaladizas no son lo único a tener en cuenta durante las tormentas de nieve - palear la nieve también puede ser arriesgado para la salud. Recuerde mantenerse hidratado, tomar descansos frecuentes, y solamente mover cantidades pequeñas en cada pase.