A winter storm from February 19-20, 2025, affected eastern North Carolina, causing a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Reports indicated significant ice and snow accumulations, leading to tree damage and power outages. The storm brought exceptionally low temperatures following the precipitation, creating hazardous conditions across the region.
From February 19 to 20, 2025, a significant winter storm developed as a coastal low traveled from the Gulf Coast northeast along the southeastern U.S. coastline to the Carolinas. This system brought widespread precipitation, with regions experiencing sleet, freezing rain, and snow, while southern areas, such as the Crystal Coast, primarily saw rainfall. Accumulations of sleet and snow were most pronounced from central North Carolina to southeast Virginia, while ice accretion occurred southward, leading to damage from fallen trees and power lines across parts of eastern North Carolina, accompanied by numerous power outages. Following the storm, temperatures dropped considerably, with lows in the teens for many inland areas.
During the winter storm, the National Weather Service released reports detailing snowfall across eastern North Carolina, categorizing them by dominant precipitation type. The reports highlighted substantial contributions from local spotters, emergency managers, and the public. Various areas reported diverse precipitation types including snow, sleet, and freezing rain. The cooperative efforts of these observers were instrumental in providing accurate weather assessments.
Snowfall reports indicated significant accumulations across various counties, with notable totals including 4.5 inches in Robersonville and 4.0 inches in Southern Shores and Kitty Hawk. Other areas reported 2.0 inches and more, showcasing the storm’s impact. The freezing rain reports confirmed ice accumulation ranging from 0.10 inches to 0.30 inches in various locales, particularly in Beaufort and Craven counties, leading to hazardous conditions.
In terms of sleet, varying reports were recorded, primarily in Carteret and Pitt counties, with notable totals reaching 2.0 inches. The overall winter storm environment presented a complex mix of precipitation types, contributing to a significant weather event that affected travel and daily activities in the region. Social media updates from local residents and meteorologists illustrated the diverse conditions on the ground, from rain and sleet to freezing rain and snow, indicating the storm’s unpredictable nature.
The winter storm of February 19-20, 2025, significantly impacted eastern North Carolina, producing a mix of precipitation types including snow, sleet, and freezing rain. The storm caused power outages and property damage due to ice accumulation and falling trees. Observational reports from the public and emergency services highlighted the widespread effects, with substantial accumulations recorded across multiple counties. The aftermath saw frigid temperatures further complicating conditions for recovery and travel.
Original Source: www.weather.gov
