Winter Storm Overview: February 19-20, 2025 in Eastern North Carolina

A winter storm from February 19-20, 2025, produced a mix of sleet, freezing rain, and snow across Eastern North Carolina, resulting in significant accumulations and hazardous conditions. The storm led to power outages, tree damage, and critically cold temperatures following the precipitation. Reports from various counties provided insights into the storm’s impact on daily life and travel safety.

On February 19-20, 2025, a coastal low developed along the U.S. Gulf Coast and moved northeast along the Southeast coastline, resulting in widespread precipitation. The storm produced a mix of sleet, freezing rain, and snow, particularly impacting central North Carolina to southeast Virginia. Areas south of the snow and sleet primarily experienced rain, while the combination of ice and winds caused significant damage, including fallen trees and power outages across eastern North Carolina. This event was followed by a drop in temperatures, with many regions seeing lows in the teens away from the coast.

The National Weather Service reported various types of winter weather across Eastern North Carolina, including snowfall reports ranging from light snow to significant accumulations. Locations such as Southern Shores and Kitty Hawk recorded four inches of snow, while other areas like Greenville reported around two inches. The combination of reports from local spotters and utility companies provided valuable insights into the conditions experienced during the storm.

Freezing rain also impacted many regions, with Belhaven and Washington Park each recording 0.28 inches. Additional reports from regions such as Craven and Lenoir counties highlighted the prevalence of ice accumulation contributing to hazardous conditions on roads and power lines. The continuous change in precipitation types created challenging circumstances for residents, further complicating travel and safety efforts.

Sleet accumulation was observed in several areas, notably in Carteret County, where initial reports indicated 1.5 inches. Locations such as Vanceboro experienced sleet accumulations of over one inch. The combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain resulted in difficult travel across multiple counties, prompting advisories and warnings for residents.

Social media updates documented real-time conditions with visuals of ice and snow across the affected regions. Observers noted the challenges faced by travelers, with reports of treacherous driving conditions and potential for additional icy hazards as temperatures continued to drop overnight. Updates from local meteorologists provided essential forecasts and safety reminders for all residents during this winter weather event.

In conclusion, the winter storm of February 19-20, 2025, brought a mix of severe weather conditions, impacting multiple regions in Eastern North Carolina. The severe combination of sleet, freezing rain, and snow resulted in significant accumulations, leading to road hazards and utility disruptions. Continuous weather monitoring and community reports were essential for understanding the storm’s impact and facilitating effective responses during this challenging event.

Original Source: www.weather.gov