News Summary
North Carolina faced its third winter storm of the season on February 19-20, 2025, with central and eastern areas experiencing significant snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency before the storm, which led to numerous weather-related incidents, school cancellations, and power outages affecting over 5,000 customers. With snowfall accumulations reaching 14 inches in some areas, road conditions deteriorated, and residents were advised to stay safe as temperatures dropped.
Winter Storm Hits Central and Eastern North Carolina Hard
Get ready, folks! Winter has made a grand entrance in North Carolina as the state faced its third winter storm of the season on February 19-20, 2025. The central and eastern regions of the state braved a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain that started early Wednesday morning and picked up intensity as the day rolled on. What a wild ride it has been!
State of Emergency Declaration
With the weather forecast looking pretty grim, Governor Josh Stein made the wise decision to declare a State of Emergency before the storm even hit. Winter Weather Advisories, Winter Storm Warnings, and Watches were put in place for the ABC11 viewing area to prepare residents for what was coming their way. And it’s safe to say, the preparations were key!
The Storm Rolls In
As the storm unleashed its fury, people were advised to stay off the roads if possible. Despite these warnings, numerous weather-related incidents were reported. Officials from the Durham County Sheriff’s Office were busy responding to accidents and incidents across the region, urging everyone to think twice before hitting the road. If you must drive, be sure to take your time—lower your speed, keep that following distance wide, and avoid any sudden braking maneuvers.
Snow and Ice Measurements
The numbers from the storm tell the story of its impact. Areas in Currituck County saw jaw-dropping accumulations, with Moyock measuring a whopping 14 inches of snow! Knotts Island wasn’t far behind with 13 inches, and Corolla followed with a solid 11 inches. Even further south, Edenton received 6 inches, while Henderson and Roanoke Rapids reported 5 inches each. In the Durham area, snowfall ranged from 3 to 3.5 inches, while Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and neighboring towns saw between 2 to 3.5 inches.
Road Conditions Deteriorate
The storm took a toll on the roads, leading to a spate of accidents across the state. The N.C. Highway Patrol was quite busy, investigating hundreds of incidents, including several unfortunate fatal crashes. As the snow piled up, drivers in the northwestern Triangle, particularly those in Drewry, Dabney, and Oxford, faced slick and hazardous conditions.
Cold Snap Ahead
As if the snow and ice weren’t enough, the cold temperatures that followed posed another challenge. Expected high temperatures were to remain below freezing for several days, keeping roads dangerously slick and icy. Winter Weather Advisories were extended until Thursday at 4 p.m., and residents were issued a Cold Weather Advisory from 10 p.m. on Thursday to 10 a.m. on Friday. With wind chill values dipping between 7 to 15 degrees, it was crucial to dress warmly and stay safe from hypothermia.
Power Outages and School Cancellations
Meanwhile, the winter storm knocked out power for more than 5,000 Duke Power customers, especially in southeastern North Carolina, as ice accumulation weighed down lines. Schools and businesses were proactive, canceling classes in anticipation of the storm, while some designated Friday as remote learning days. Talk about preparing ahead!
In Conclusion
As the storm finally began to taper off late Wednesday night, everyone hoped for a quick cleanup and return to normalcy. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service was hard at work, collecting valuable data on snow and ice measurements to help improve future forecasts. Here’s to hoping for better weather ahead, North Carolina! Stay warm and safe out there!
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Additional Resources
- ABC11 News
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
- CBS17 News
- NewsObserver
- Google Search: Winter Storm North Carolina February 2025
